A man has become the first person in Britain to be jailed under new laws governing ‘revenge porn’.
Luke King was warned twice by police for his behavior, before he posted explicit pictures of an ex-girlfriend to Whatsapp.
The photos, which had been taken for the couple’s private use, were uploaded to the 21-year old’s profile as his feature picture, meaning all of his contacts had access to the nude image.
King was prosecuted under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – the first conviction on revenge porn since the updated laws were introduced in October.
District crown prosecturor at the CPS East Midlands, Peter Shergill said:
“This kind of malicious use of intimate material online is a vindictive crime that leaves victims humiliated and devastated. Prosecutors are now following guidance issued in October this year that clarifies how we can use existing legislation to prosecute perpetrators of these intrusive offences.
“In this instance, because Luke King had threatened his victim and posted multiple pictures of her on social media, a charge of harassment was brought. He pleaded guilty to the offence and has been imprisoned and the victim now has the reassurance of a restraining order that will prevent any further contact from King.”
Police are hoping the sentencing will help dissuade similar offences, while ensuring the security and justice for victims.
The judge also imposed a restraining order which bars King from contacting the woman in any way for two years – including over the internet.
Image via The Telegraph
