Aaron Butler

Aaron Butler, a 34-year-old estate agent from Frome in Somerset, has been placed on the national Sex Offenders Register for five years following his guilty plea to threatening to share intimate photos and videos of a 17-year-old girl.

The incident began when Butler struck up an online friendship with the teenager via social media, which quickly escalated into sexually explicit exchanges at his instigation. Prosecutor Ben Winzar told Yeovil Magistrates' Court that the girl, who was in care and had previously been a victim of a serious sexual offence, sent Butler explicit images and videos upon his requests. The pair arranged to meet in person, and Butler transferred £10 to her via bank transfer to cover her travel costs. However, when she did not show up, Butler became angry and issued threats to post the sexually explicit content online unless she returned the money. These threats were repeated despite the girl making it clear she was only 17, warning him that police would classify such actions as paedophilia.

Defending solicitor Louise Eaves argued that both parties had exchanged intimate pictures, and while Butler knew the girl was in her late teens, he claimed he did not realise she was exactly 17. She explained that after the agreed meeting time passed without contact, Butler messaged the girl out of frustration, stating, 'I’m not the kind of person you do this to and if I’ve not received my money back then I will post these images.' He gave her until 9pm that night to comply, but the following morning, the distressed girl confirmed he had not posted anything, and he assured her he would not.

The court heard that Butler acknowledged his actions were wrong and expressed deep regret, describing them as a 'stupid, knee-jerk reaction' after feeling duped. Eaves highlighted the severe impact on Butler's reputation and livelihood as an estate agent. The magistrates imposed a 12-month community order including 150 hours of unpaid work and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Days, alongside a 12-month restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim. Additional costs of £85 and a £114 victim surcharge were also ordered. The case was heard at Yeovil Magistrates' Court, with the offence occurring in Frome on 23 May 2023.