Blackmailer threatened to tell man’s family about his sexuality after date
A MAN blackmailed his date by telling him he would reveal secrets about his sexuality to his family if he did not pay him £700.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Callum Wooton told his victim “time is ticking” and sent him emojis of clocks in an attempt to pressure him into handing over the cash.
Rosamund Rutter, prosecuting, said the defendant told his victim: “I am going to ruin your life.”
The court heard the pair met on the dating app Grindr at the end of May before meeting up at Wooton’s home in Bridgend.
Prosecutors said the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, decided he did not want to see the defendant again and there was an argument.
Ms Rutter said: “The defendant suggested he was going to expose the complainant.”
She told the court the victim’s family did not know about his sexuality.
Wooton sent messages saying “You f***ed with the wrong person” and “I am going to ruin your life”.
The court heard he then asked for £700 and told the victim “time is ticking” before sending him images of clocks.
Prosecutors said the victim called the police on June 19 and the defendant was arrested.
During his police interview he admitted sending the messages but said he never wanted the money and did not expect to receive it.
In a victim personal statement read out in court, the complainant said: “He had complete control of me.
“I felt like I could not escape and I did consider if the only way out was to end my life.”
He added: “I was terrified – it was a very frightening time.
“I still feel like he could tell my family about me and destroy everything that is important to me. My decision to tell my family about my life should be mine.”
Prosecutors said the defendant had been before the courts for four previous offences including aggravated vehicle taking and failing to stop after an incident.
Wooton, 20, from Ynysawdre Bridgend, admitted blackmail.
Hashim Salman, defending, suggested his client had shown remorse through his early guilty plea. in
He described him as “an intelligent young man” but added: “There is still a level of immaturity.”
The defence barrister said: “He looks back with a great deal of shame.”
Judge Eleri Rees noted he instilled “terror and fear” into his victim.
Wooton was sentenced to eight months’ detention in a young offender institution.