Gays and lesbians blackmailed by ex-lovers

GAY people are being blackmailed by their former partners for sums of up to €10,000, a senior garda revealed last night.

Many have not told their married partners, families or work colleagues about their sexuality and are terrified by threats to “out” them.

Garda Inspector Finbarr Murphy, who is a liaison officer to the gay and lesbian community, said the force dealt with three to four blackmail cases each year.