Ryan Dolan jailed for sextortion and drug debt blackmail

RYAN DOLAN JAILED FOR SEXTORTION AND DRUG DEBT BLACKMAIL

Ryan Dolan, aged 27 and from Island View in Lurgan, was found guilty of blackmailing a casual sexual partner by threatening to release an intimate video unless she paid half of his £10,000 drug debt.

The court was informed that Dolan had left his victim, who had recorded the video with him during their relationship, terrified about his intentions.

He received a sentence of twelve and a half months in jail, to be served half of his 25-month sentence, along with a period on supervised licence.

Judge Patrick Lynch KC described Dolan’s conduct as “reprehensible” and stated that he had left the victim “profoundly affected” by his blackmailing scheme.

A five-year restraining order was issued, banning him from contacting her or discussing her online, with a warning that any violation could lead to further imprisonment.

Dolan admitted to making an unwarranted demand for money with menaces on August 4 of the previous year and was still struggling with drug addiction at the time of the offense.

His criminal record includes 14 previous drug-related convictions, and he committed this recent crime shortly after being released from custody.

Defense attorney David McKeown expressed remorse for Dolan’s actions, stating, “his behaviour was reprehensible but he is not seeking to justify it,” and mentioned that Dolan’s mother had settled his drug debt and that he was trying to become drug-free.

The judge highlighted that Dolan’s actions had adversely affected his victim’s personal, social, and professional life, and warned that any breach of the restraining order could result in further jail time.