(Melbourne, Australia) A man who attempted to blackmail a closeted member of Australia’s Parliament is facing a long prison term after pleading guilty on Friday.

Jake Michael Della-Vedova, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of blackmail.

Court in Melbourne was told that Della-Vedova met the politician last June on a gay chat site. Over the next month, the pair exchanged test messages and agreed to meet at Della-Vedova’s home.

Prosecutor Simon Cooper told the court that after having sex, Della-Vedova complained that he was short of money and the politician gave him $150 (Au) that he had at the time in his wallet.

During another visit the politician handed over another $250.

But what the politician did not know at the time was that Della-Vedova had secretly taped the sexual encounters.

Della-Vedova later began threatening the man with exposure if he did not hand over more money.

The politician instead went to police.  Della-Vedova was arrested when he arranged to meet the politician to get the cash.

Police later searched Della-Vedova’s home and found the taped sexual encounters on a computer.  Under questioning Della-Vedova confessed.

When he is sentenced, Della-Vedova could receive up to 15 years behind bars.