Man charged with blackmail over WhatsApp messages to people in 'Westminster circles' including MPs

A man who allegedly sent WhatsApp messages to five people within "Westminster circles" including MPs has been charged with blackmail and communications offences.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Oliver Steadman, 28, had been charged with one count of blackmail in relation to alleged unwarranted demands for the telephone numbers of up to 12 people.

He has also been charged with a communications offence of improper use of a public electronic communications network, in relation to the same victim.

The CPS said he faced four further communications offence charges, including the improper use of a public electronic communications network, in relation to four other victims.

"This relates to the sending of alleged unsolicited indecent images," the CPS said.

Malcolm McHaffie, head of the CPS's Special Crime Division, said: "We have decided to prosecute Oliver Steadman with blackmail and five communications offences in relation to a total of five victims working within politics and Westminster.

"This follows an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service which looked into messages that included alleged unsolicited indecent images sent to a number of people within parliamentary political circles between October 2023 and April 2024 using Whatsapp.

"Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring this case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings."

Steadman, from Islington in north London, will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday 3 November for a first hearing.

(c) Sky News 2025: Man charged with blackmail over WhatsApp messages to people in 'Westminster circles' includin