WIRRAL MAN LOSES 'REVENGE PORN' SENTENCE APPEAL
A Wirral man jailed for posting "revenge porn" images of an ex-girlfriend online has lost his appeal against his sentence.53-year-old David Jones was sentenced to 16 weeks by Liverpool magistrates after admitting his behaviour and became the first person on Merseyside to be sentenced under a law aimed at tackling revenge porn.
He appealed the prison term, but this was rejected.
The sentence also involved paying £1,000 compensation and costs of £345.
Judge Clement Goldstone, QC, emphasized the irresponsibility of using technology in this manner and warned that custodial sentences can be expected even for those of previous good character involved in such activity.
Jones, of Mockbeggar Drive, Wallasey, pleaded guilty to five charges of disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress.
Prosecutor Michael Stephenson stated that Jones, a married man with children, posted 13 sexual photographs of a woman—some involving sexual activity—on social media and porn websites.
These images were taken during their 20-year relationship and remained in touch afterward.
The victim was alerted by a friend when images, posted under fake Facebook and Twitter accounts under her name, appeared on May 29.
Despite Jones's apology and claim that they were still in a relationship, the victim discovered the images had been shared widely, causing her depression.
The judge noted Jones's determination and sophistication, evidenced by images posted on five different sites.
He ordered Jones to pay the £330 costs of the appeal and highlighted the ongoing harm, referencing the statement 'the genie is out of the bottle'.
