A WOMAN tried to take an overdose after being told a video of her having sex could be made public, a court was told.
Two years after meeting Kaylan Clarke, the woman was taking part in an online chat when she was warned he had secretly recorded a tape of them making love.
When she contacted Clarke, he "confirmed" he had made a tape of them together, leaving her terrified she was about to be publicly humiliated.
But Southampton Crown Court heard there was no evidence that any such tape existed.
William Saunders, prosecuting, said the woman had consensual sex with Clarke after a night out in 2019. In 2021 she joined an online chat and was warned he had filmed the encounter.
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In a personal impact statement, the victim said her subsequent conversation with Clarke was so upsetting she had attempted to take an overdose.
She described the "cruelty" in his voice, adding: "He didn't care if he destroyed my life."
But Wendy Cook, mitigating, told the court: "It has always been his contention that there never was a video in this case and that he has no such material."
Ms Cook said the defendant made a "very inappropriate" comment to the victim because he wanted her to leave him alone.
She added: "He is of previous good character and has a very supportive family. This is not a young man who is disrespectful to women."
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But Judge Christopher Parker KC told him: "A young woman... was speaking to other people on social media.
"They suggested a sex tape had been recorded covertly by you.
"You confirmed there was a video and subsequently told her, in effect, that if she made further contact, or made a complaint, you would publish it widely."
Judge Parker said Clarke, 22, of Stoke Newington Common, Hackney, London, had intended to cause the woman upset and anxiety.
"It was stupid, unpleasant, cruel, disrespectful, and grossly immature. Your comment led her to believe that she was going to be publicly humiliated," he said.
The community order includes a requirement to complete 140 hours of unpaid work. The judge also imposed an indefinite restraining order prohibiting Clarke from having any contact with the victim.
The judge told him: "You will not be sent to prison today. You undoubtedly would have, had this tape existed."
Clarke admitted sending communication with the intent to cause distress and anxiety.
- Call Samaritans on 116 123.
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