Woman blackmailed dentist ex-husband

A woman who reported her estranged dentist husband to the General Dental Council with false claims of professional misconduct, after attempting to blackmail him into giving her a more generous divorce settlement, has been sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 12 months, and given a five-year restraining order, the Bournemouth Echo has reported.

Dina Williamson from Bournemouth targeted Ben Williamson with threats and false allegations of professional misconduct including drinking alcohol between patient appointments.

The GDC launched a nine-month investigation before clearing Williamson of wrongdoing.

In court, Judge Jonathan Fuller said: "In February you started sending malicious messages and posted comments on a Facebook page which were there to damage and undermine him and put pressure on him because you felt you were entitled to more money than his lawyers were and the court found in his favour.

"He made it clear to communicate through solicitors but you persisted.

"In May 2025 your message demanded money otherwise you would go to Ben Williamson's professional disciplinary body and report what you saw as gross misconduct by him.

"On May 27 you carried out the threat because he hadn't given you money. You made salacious and vexatious allegations against him to the GDC."

Williamson pleaded guilty to one count of blackmail.