Demi Sweatman of Werneth Road, Grimsby sent nude pics to men online for cash, then demanded more money from them saying she was only 15, threatening to tell their family and friends
A “manipulative” 24-year-old mum of three has been spared jail after she sent nude photographs of herself to men online for money and then blackmailed them, claiming she was underage.
Demi Sweatman of Werneth Road, Grimsby, demanded the men send her more money, threatening to tell the victims” family and friends that they had asked for pornographic images of her, a court has heard.
One man paid a total of £1,150 and another man, who was a student, paid £290, GrimsbyLive reports.
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Sweatman admitted two offences of blackmail and her former partner, Charlie Anderson, 22, formerly of Werneth Road, admitted an offence of money laundering.
Craig Lowe, prosecuting, told Grimsby Crown Court that in May 2023 a photograph of Sweatman in pink lingerie had appeared on Instagram with an invitation to men with the headline “Snap me.”
One man responded with a request and she offered to send nude photos for £20. Sweatman asked for the man’s Whatsapp number and sent photos. He asked if she wanted to meet up.
Mr Lowe said Sweatman replied: “Only if I get £50.” More money was paid.
Sweatman then sent messages claiming to be 15 years old and threatening to tell the man’s family and friends, unless he paid a further £50. She then demanded £300.
The victim protested in messages but sent the money. Sweatman then threatened to send associates round to the man’s house unless he sent even more money.
The prosecutor said the victim sent a total of £1,150. A sum of £500 was paid into Anderson’s account.
Humberside Police were contacted and both were arrested but denied any offences. The pair were bailed while officers conducted investigations.
Mr Lowe said in October 2024 Sweatman posted a photograph on Facebook Dating offering more nude photographs. A student responded and sent money for pornographic content.
Again, Sweatman took the young man’s details and threatened to expose him for asking for photographs, claiming to be a 15-year-old girl. The victim initially sent £40 for the photographs and then £250 when he was threatened with exposure.
The prosecutor said the student contacted police and Sweatman was arrested, but denied being responsible. Anderson also denied a charge of money laundering.
When his trial was due to be heard, Sweatman provided evidence to the prosecution and Anderson changed his plea to guilty to money laundering. Both victims had suffered anxiety and fear because of the blackmail, Mr Lowe said.
Mitigating on behalf of Sweatman, Tim Savage said his client had no previous offences recorded against her and she was a young mother of three children. He said his client claimed she had been coerced by her partner.
He added she had been out of trouble since October 2024. Mitigating on behalf of Anderson, Maya Hanson said the couple had been in a “volatile relationship.” Her client had a traumatic upbringing but was keen to get a job soon and he was remorseful, she said.
Judge Gurdial Singh said it was clear the money had gone into Anderson’s account because of the pressure the victims felt. “It was disgraceful and nasty offending,” said the judge.
He said Sweatman had done the same again in October 2024 after the first blackmail in May 2023. Due to the evidence she had provided against Anderson she was entitled to time off her sentence.
The judge said: “You are both as bad as each other.” He added they had been “manipulative and deliberate in taking advantage” of men.
Sweatman was sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to attend 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Anderson was given a 16-month sentence suspended for two years with 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
