An adult model who sold pictures of herself on Snapchat has been given a suspended sentence for blackmail.

Bethan Guy, 26, of King John Street, threatened to tell a man’s partner he had purchased adult photos of her, leaving him feeling “trapped and helpless”.

She was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on October 15 after admitting to making unwarranted demands for money from her victim for her financial gain between July 20, 2022, and August 3, 2022.

Guy met her victim through Snapchat where she was selling adult photos of herself.

She then began threatening to tell his partner if he did not hand over money.(Image: Kirsty O'Connor/PA Wire)

In a statement read to the court Guy's victim said: "I felt trapped and helpless.  I didn't have enough money to pay my rent and bills, which was a huge strain for me. 

“I felt I had no choice but to pay the money, as she had made the threats very clear and I was afraid of the devastating effect it would have on my life if I didn’t pay."

READ MORE: New shop coming to Designer Outlet in time for the festive season

DC Emma Rossiter said: "Sadly we are seeing increasing numbers of people being blackmailed through social media sites. 

“If you’ve been a victim we’d like you to remember, whatever has happened is not your fault, even though you might have been told it is.

Guy was given a two-year suspended sentence, ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, 12 sessions of mental health treatment and £450 in compensation to be paid to the victim.

READ MORE: Thames Water provides update after residents 'told not to drink water'

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “If you are a victim of blackmail or sextortion, it’s not your fault. There is help and support available.

  • Don’t panic, help and support is available.
  • Stop all communication with the offender immediately.
  • Don’t pay, even if you are tempted, as there is no guarantee that this will stop the threats.
  • Save the evidence:
  • make a note of usernames, email addresses, phone numbers and bank account numbers
  • Collect URL links to where your images or information is being shared online

They added: “We understand that it might be difficult to report this type of crime to us. We're here to listen and support you in any way we can.

“You can report intimate image abuse to us:

  • online
  • by calling 101
  • if you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101
  • if you are under 18, you can report sextortion, or any other form of online child sexual abuse, to the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Safety Centre”

You can find more information and advice on the Wiltshire Police website.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app