Woman, 20, sent photos of herself bound and gagged 

A WOMAN sent her ex photos of herself bound and gagged at gunpoint in a fake kidnapping plot.

Leah Jumeaux, 20, demanded a ransom of £2,000 from her boyfriend in exchange for her own safe return in October 2020.

But her “bizarre” scheme failed when the matter was reported to the police and she was forced to admit her lies.

She admitted in an interview that she made the whole thing up as she wanted the money to to buy Christmas presents for her family.

She appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday charged with blackmail and fraud by false representation.

Jumeaux, from Blackpool, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of fraud.

She was sentenced to 34 weeks behind bars and must also pay a victims surcharge of £156.

Detective Constable Lisa Carr, of Lancashire Police, said: “Jumeaux’s behaviour and actions were bizarre.

“She staged a kidnap in a failed attempt to con money out of a former boyfriend, posing tied up with a gun next to her.

“When the matter was reported to police, Jumeaux’s story quickly fell apart, with her admitting in interview she wanted the money to buy Christmas presents for her family.

“I hope a custodial sentence will give her time to reflect the gravity of her actions and learn from her very serious mistakes.”