Connie Furlong manipulated her vulnerable victim by threatening to show video footage of him to the police, alleging she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim managed to escape from her home when another man emerged from a separate room to confront him after he refused to pay Furlong for sexual favours, reports the Daily Record.

Furlong, who encountered her 39 year old victim online, later sent him a message demanding a mere £80 and telling him: "I like you. You don't have to give me much."

Fiscal depute Emma Farmer informed Perth Sheriff Court: "The complainer and accused began communicating online and by phone in relation to commencing a sexual relationship."

"The victim is 39 and has mild learning difficulties. They agreed to meet. He drove to her address and arrived at 10pm. He entered and they sat down and spoke.

"The victim kissed her and placed his hand on her. She stated she would have him charged with sexual assault. She asked how much he would pay for sex with her.

"She asked for his wallet and another male entered the room and said 'that's my girlfriend.' The male told Furlong: "Don't let him leave. Lock the door."

Ms Farmer explained that the victim panicked and attempted to leave, offering to go to the bank and withdraw money to appease them. He managed to get outside and flagged down a passing driver, confessing his fear of Furlong.

Furlong and her partner in crime convinced the driver that the man was intoxicated, and they departed from the location.

"I have video of you grabbing my boobs and kissing me," Furlong threatened. "You have ten minutes until I phone the police. Leave the money somewhere - you don't need to see me again.

"He's going to phone them now as you're not paying. That wasn't consent."

After taking screenshots of the incriminating messages, the victim handed them over to the authorities, leading to Furlong's arrest. Despite denying any misconduct and alleging that the victim had doctored the messages to tarnish her image, Furlong told investigators that the man had assaulted her and then offered her £400 to prevent her from contacting the police.

29 year old Furlong from Perth pleaded guilty to conspiring with another individual to intimidate the man with the aim of extorting £80 from him on 28 December 2021.

Lynsey Barber, Furlong's defence solicitor, admitted that her client was to blame for several postponements in the trial due to her repeated failure to appear in court.

"She is entirely responsible for delays in this matter," she acknowledged. "She knows what the inevitable outcome may be."

Sheriff William Gilchrist addressed Furlong, stating: "Extortion is a serious charge. I am satisfied the custodial threshold has been reached."