Man accused of blackmail after sending sexual photos of woman to her husband

A MAN allegedly sent sexual photos of a married woman to her husband and teenage son before demanding £700 to prevent further disclosure, a court has heard.

Frederick Boyd is accused of blackmailing her after they met online and exchanged intimate images.

The 25-year-old, of Mayo Place in Belfast, denies menacing the wife and mother for cash, claiming he was told she was ready to leave her family for him.

He was granted bail but banned from contacting the woman or entering her home town.

Boyd appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court after being arrested for offences allegedly committed on Tuesday.

He faces charges of making an unwarranted demand for money from the woman and disclosing a private sexual photograph or film with intent to cause her distress.

Opposing his release, a detective constable claimed Boyd sent some intimate photos to the woman’s husband, 16-yearold son and some of her friends.

“He was asked to desist but demanded £700 to do so,” he said.

Although police have seized Boyd’s phone, the court heard he has yet to provide the code for them to access the device.

“We don’t know where the photographs are stored at the moment,” the detective added.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall was told Boyd and the woman came into contact through a “well known website” last year.

Defence counsel Declan Quinn said Boyd claims they met once at a hotel and maintained contact online.

“She was indicating to him her intention to leave her husband and family and begin a relationship with this man,” he contended.

“He indicates there are a number of sexual images she sent to him. She was telling him to hold on until the divorce went through.”

According to Boyd’s case he “reacted” after receiving a photo of the woman and a female friend out with another man.

“He sent images he already had to her husband and her 16-year-old son,” the barrister said. “She then contacts him and pleads with him not to do this, not to disclose any further.”

Disputing the blackmail allegations, Mr Quinn argued that Boyd only asked her to pay back £60 owed from a previous encounter.

Boyd is due back in court in March.