A LETTERSTON man tried to blackmail £10,000 from a man who had sexual activity with him when they were both children, a court has heard.

Peter Williams, aged 49, threatened to "put it all over Facebook" and ruin the man's life.

Williams, of Station Road, admitted blackmail.

Judge Paul Thomas said it was an exceptional case and jailed Williams for 15 months but suspended the sentence for 18 months. Williams must also complete 20 sessions of rehabilitation and 200 hours of unpaid work for the community.

Swansea crown court heard that Williams was four years younger than the other man and when they were schoolboys they engaged in sexual touching.

Although in the years later they saw each other from time to time they were never friends.

Helen Randall, prosecuting, said that on November 1 last year the man received a telephone call from Williams "out of the blue."

Williams told him, "You ruined my childhood. You were older. I've been reading the papers. It is what you owe me.

"I want £10,000 or I will put it all over Facebook."

When told that was blackmail Williams replied: "Call it what you want. I call it hush money."

The man went to see a solicitor who advised him to contact the police.

The following morning Williams called again, this time leaving a message saying, "It's not going away. I will come in and make a scene."

Williams was arrested.

Miss Randall said the man was questioned by the police about Williams' allegations of sexual activity. He agreed there had been contact by mutual consent.

There was a dispute, she added, about how old they had been at the time, but in the event the Crown Prosecution Service had decided not to take any action over the matter.

Ian Ibrahim, Williams' barrister, said he should have gone to the police with his complaints and not resorted to blackmail.

Judge Thomas said it was a serious matter and would normally warrant an immediate jail sentence.

"Blackmail is an ugly offence.

"There is no doubt you were sexually abused by him when young and you have been brooding excessively about this.

"It was blackmail but it was very amateurish," he added.