A cocaine addict tricked men online, posing as an underage girl to blackmail them for money
Shaun Chalmers, 27, created fake profiles of women on dating sites. Once men started chatting, he claimed the profile was an underage girl. He then demanded money from them.
In court, Judge Sophie McKone said the victims did nothing wrong. They feared being reported to the police for talking to a minor. She called blackmail “nasty and mean,” emphasizing its seriousness.
Prosecutor Holly Clegg revealed one victim paid £5,500. Another was told he could make the issue disappear for £800. Chalmers’ partner, Courtney Bellingham, let him use her bank accounts during the scheme.
Both were arrested in May 2021. Chalmers admitted to blackmail last November. Bellingham, 27, was found guilty after a trial.
Chalmers had a history of robbery and previous blackmail convictions. He received a sentence of three years and two months. Judge McKone noted he was clearly the one contacting the victims.
Bellingham was seen as vulnerable due to her abusive relationship. Her lawyer argued she wasn’t the main instigator and had worked to improve her life.
Judge McKone stated the blackmail was well-planned, lasting six months and involving six victims. She acknowledged the victims had done nothing wrong but felt pressured by Chalmers.
She concluded that Chalmers acted purely out of greed.
