WOMAN WHO SENT INTIMATE PHOTOS TO MEN ONLINE FOR CASH BEFORE BLACKMAILING THEM BY CLAIMING TO BE A 15-YEAR-OLD IS SPARED JAIL
A woman from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, has avoided prison despite orchestrating a scheme to blackmail men by sending them explicit photos and falsely claiming to be underage.Demi Sweatman, aged 24, uploaded a photo of herself in pink lingerie on Instagram in May 2023, inviting men to contact her.
One man responded, requesting further images, and Sweatman agreed to send naked photos for £20.
After obtaining his WhatsApp details and sharing the images, he inquired about a potential meeting.
Sweatman responded, 'only if I get £50,' and after more money was transferred, she falsely claimed to be a 15-year-old girl.
She then threatened to inform the man's family and friends unless he paid an additional £50, escalating the demand to £300.
Despite protests, the victim transferred money, totaling over £1,150, including a £500 deposit into Sweatman's then-boyfriend Charlie Anderson’s bank account.
When police were alerted, both Sweatman and Anderson denied any wrongdoing and were bailed while investigations continued.
In October 2024, Sweatman posted an advert on Facebook Dating offering additional nude photographs, which a young man responded to by sending payment.
She then took his details and threatened to reveal his requests for explicit images, claiming to be a 15-year-old girl.
The victim initially paid £40, then an additional £250 when threatened with exposure.
Police involved the case, and Sweatman was arrested, denying responsibility.
Anderson also faced a money laundering charge.
Before the trial, Sweatman provided evidence, leading Anderson to plead guilty.
Both victims experienced anxiety and fear as a result of the blackmail, court heard.
Representatives for Sweatman highlighted her clean criminal record and her status as a young mother, suggesting she was coerced by her partner.
Meanwhile, Anderson’s lawyer described his client’s volatile relationship and traumatic background but noted his remorse and plans to seek employment.
The judge acknowledged the pressure the victims were under and condemned the actions as disgraceful.
Judge Gurdial Singh pointed out that Sweatman’s re-offending in October 2024 indicated a pattern of predatory behaviour, but her cooperation against Anderson was taken into account.
They were both characterised as manipulative, exploiting men deliberately.
Sweatman received an 11-month sentence suspended for 18 months, alongside community service and rehabilitation.
Anderson’s 16-month sentence was suspended for two years, with similar conditions.
