Jilted lover’s sex tape threat to girl, 17

A MAN who dated a teenager half his age threatened to post a video of them on the internet when she dumped him, a court heard yesterday.

Paul Culbert, 34, sent a series of text messages threatening to upload the video to a social networking site in a bid to blackmail her back into a relationship, Cupar Sheriff Court was told.

Joanna Smith, prosecuting, said at the time of the incident Culbert was 33 and had been in a nine-month relationship with the girl, who was 17.

The depute fiscal said: “At some point during the relationship what is described as a ‘sex tape’ was recorded involving both the accused and the complainer.

“The complainer decided to end the relationship and on telling Culbert of her decision she started to receive numerous calls and texts to her phone.

“The text messages were an attempt to blackmail her into reconciling their relationship, or the video would be uploaded onto a social networking site.”

Ms Smith added: “The complainer believed the accused would carry out these threats. On receiving the texts she was shocked and alarmed, and in a state of fear.”

Ms Smith said the girl did not return any calls or texts, and contacted police.

Ms Smith said: “He [Culbert] stated he had no real intention of sending the video he was just venting his anger, and he said he knew it was unacceptable.”

Culbert from Leven, Fife pleaded guilty to sending text messages that were grossly offensive, making offensive comments, and threatening to distribute a video of a sexual nature.

Sentence was deferred until 11 October.