A blackmailer threatened to reveal videos of a pensioner with sex workers if he did not pay her cash.
Kerry Price befriended her elderly victim, who the ECHO understands is in his 80s, and he had attempted to help her while she struggling with her "long-term heroin addiction". But the 41-year-old discovered footage of the pensioner engaged in sexual activity with escorts on his computer.
Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Friday, that she then messaged him to say she would send the homemade movies to his friends and family if he did not give her £45 - leaving him "gobsmacked". The man did not pay her, and instead reported the matter to the police.
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Price, of Bigdale Drive in Kirkby, has 16 previous convictions dating back to 2007. Nick Cockrell, defending, said: "Although the circumstances are unusual, it is a serious offence.
"There is a long gap in her offending between 2012 and 2020, when she was living out of the area. There are clearly a lot of positive things going on for Ms Price at the moment - long may that continue."
Price admitted blackmail during an earlier hearing. She was handed a nine-month imprisonment suspended for 18 months.
Sentencing, Judge David Swinnerton said: "You didn't persist in your threats for very long and you didn't ask for very much money. Blackmail is always a serious offence.
"Threatening people, whether with violence or threatening to disclose private or sensitive information, is serious. Whatever the background, you saw an opportunity to try and make money.
"The real issue is whether I can suspend that sentence. You are capable of staying out of trouble.
"There is, in your background, quite a lot of trauma. Aged 41, you are making a concerted effort to change.
"Turning your life around now might save you. It's up to you.
"If you offend again, I will sent you to prison. I do sincerely hope I don't see you again."
Price was also told to serve a six-month drug rehabilitation programme and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 30 days. She was subjected to a five-year restraining order and told to pay a victim surcharge.
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