A Swindon woman has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting to blackmailing a man through social media.
Bethan Guy, 26, of King John Street, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on 15th October, where she pleaded guilty to making unwarranted demands for money from her victim for her personal financial gain.
The offences took place between 20th July 2022 and 3rd August 2022. Guy threatened to expose private details about her victim unless he paid her a sum of money, leaving him feeling trapped and helpless. In a statement read to the court, the victim explained: “I didn’t have enough money to pay my rent and bills, and I felt I had no choice but to pay the money, as she made the threats very clear.”
Guy was sentenced to two years, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 225 hours of unpaid work. She must also attend 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, undertake 12 sessions of mental health treatment, and pay £450 in compensation to the victim.
Detective Constable Emma Rossiter, who investigated the case, said: “Guy met her victim through Snapchat where she was selling adult photos of herself. She later threatened to reveal details to his partner if he didn’t hand over money. Sadly, we are seeing increasing numbers of people being blackmailed through social media.”
DC Rossiter encouraged victims of blackmail or sextortion to come forward, emphasising that it’s not their fault, even if they’ve been made to feel otherwise. She also urged anyone in a similar situation to immediately stop communication with the blackmailer, avoid paying any money, and to save evidence of the crime.
Advice for Victims of Sextortion:
- Stop all contact with the offender.
- Don’t pay any money; it may not stop the threats.
- Collect evidence, such as usernames, phone numbers, and bank details.
- Report intimate image abuse by calling 101 or visiting the Wiltshire Police website.
For anyone under 18, sextortion can be reported to the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Safety Centre.
