CODY RUSSELL JAILED FOR STALKING AND DIGITAL CONTROL
A man who used his ex-partner's social media accounts to send explicit clips of her to her boss and family has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison.Cody Russell took over the 20-year-old woman's entire digital life for five months, causing her significant distress and forcing her to try to take her own life, as reported by Exeter Crown Court.
His actions led to her losing two jobs after her employers received what appeared to be sexual approaches from her.
Russell admitted stalking that caused serious harm and distress.
He hacked into her bank, mobile, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts, and his behavior was so damaging that she was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
The court heard that he also sent explicit clips of the woman to her mother, sisters, and friends.
When detectives visited her home, they observed her social media accounts changing as they watched on her phone.
Russell also took control of her bank accounts and used her details to purchase phones and other items.
Despite being warned or arrested multiple times, he continued stalking her after each release, following her around and making it clear he knew her every movement.
Judge David Evans described Russell’s conduct as driven by "possessiveness, domination and control" during the relationship, and when it ended, "reacted with unreasonable anger and sought to maintain control with aggressive intimidation".
