A 29-year-old man is the first person in the Avon and Somerset area to be sentenced for a new offence of disclosing private sexual photographs.

The man admitted the charge and a second charge of harassment, at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court in Worle earlier today (30/7) and was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Earlier this month, the man printed off private sexual photographs of his victim and left them in a public place.

Following today’s sentencing hearing, Somerset Area Superintendent Mike Prior said: “Disclosing private sexual images – or so-called ‘revenge porn’ – is a new offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and this is the first time we’ve successfully used these new powers.

“This man committed a truly vindictive act designed to cause humiliation and distress to his victim.

“The victim has been fully supportive of our investigation and we’d like to praise her courage in coming forward and reporting the offence to us.

“It’s time to see offences like this as socially unacceptable with the potential to result in some very serious consequences.

“I hope this case acts as a warning that we won’t tolerate any kind of ‘revenge porn’ and we’ll always work with our partners, especially the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure new legislation is used effectively and victims are always fully supported.”

If anyone feels they have been a victim of a similar crime, please call us via 101 or report the incident via the contact us page of our website. You could also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website at Crimestoppers-uk.org