Basildon woman blackmailed man who asked for 'adult film'

Sydney Isham had been living in Basildon in 2019 and would sell photos of herself online for money.

In July that year a man had offered to pay her to send him an “adult film”.

However, she did not send the video and instead threatened to share his messages with his girlfriend, who she had found on Facebook.

The man never handed any money over but the 23-year-old sent the material to the girlfriend, out of spite, causing the breakdown of their relationship.

Isham, formerly of Basildon but now of Chidham Close, Havant, admitted one charge of blackmail and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday.

Judge Ian Graham said: “You asked for £100 and there was some negotiation. He contacted the police.

“No money was handed over but you in general spite sent messages to his girlfriend detailing what happened.

“As a result he was embarrassed and it led to the ending of his relationship with his girlfriend.

“You were interviewed and accepted responsibility.”

Mitigating, Mike Warren said the Isham’s offending was “very mean” but that she had “underlying relationship issues” with her partner, who she is no longer with.

He said: “This young lady has lost her good character.

“This is not going to be lost in the years to come.

“It’s blackmail, it’s going to follow her.

“It stands out from the crowd.”

Mr Warren said that Isham accepts her actions “caused harm and hurt”.

Judge Graham said that blackmail causes “revulsion” and that it should be taken “very seriously”.

He added: “I accept the comment made that given you have no previous convictions that this may well have been connected in some way with a rather unhealthy relationship.

“You have a new partner now and you live with your mother in Portsmouth.”

The judge gave Isham a 12 month suspended prison sentence to last for two years.

The judge warned that if Isham, who is pregnant, were to commit any further offences she would be brought back to court and sent to prison.