A teacher at a Derby school lost his job and nearly took his own life after being blackmailed over a sexually explicit video, Derby Crown Court heard.
Blackmailed by Fake Online Profile
The victim, a teacher at an unnamed educational institution, was duped into sending a video of a sexual nature to someone he believed was a woman. The video was recorded in the disabled toilets at his workplace. In reality, the profile belonged to 21-year-old Muaawiya Ameen, from Allenton.
Ameen demanded £1,000 from the teacher, who agreed to pay £400 via PayPal. Despite receiving the payment, Ameen shared the video with students at the victim's school, leading to his dismissal.
Impact on the Victim
In a victim impact statement, the teacher described how he contemplated suicide, lost his job, and suffered immense emotional stress. Judge Shaun Smith KC noted that on the night the video was published, the teacher tried to take his own life, but a chance phone call saved him.
Judge's Remarks
Sentencing Ameen to 15 months in prison, Judge Smith said: "This was wicked behaviour and led to a man losing his job. He went through worries about privacy, reputation, and personal safety. Even when the money was paid, you still sent it out."
Prosecution and Defence
Prosecutor James Sinclair told the court that the teacher began an Instagram conversation with the fake profile, which quickly turned sexual. After the video was sent, Ameen demanded £1,000 or he would distribute it to the victim's manager. The victim paid £400 and reported the matter to police the same day, but the video was still shared.
Ameen, of Hubert Shaw Close, pleaded guilty to blackmail and had no previous convictions. His defence lawyer, Joseph Chivayo, said Ameen acted under pressure from people he thought were friends and that he works part-time in a family business.
The judge acknowledged Ameen's lack of prior offences but described his actions as wicked, leading to severe consequences for the victim.
