JOHN KIRBY FROM ST BUDEAUX JAILED FOR REVENGE PORN IN PIONEERING CASE IN PLYMOUTH

In a significant legal development within the southwest region, John Kirby, aged 26, of Collin Close in St Budeaux, has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a revenge porn incident that has garnered considerable attention. This case marks one of the first instances in the area where an individual has been incarcerated for posting explicit material of an ex-partner online without her consent.

According to court proceedings, Kirby deliberately aimed to inflict maximum emotional pain on his former partner by sharing a private sex video on social media platforms accessible to the public. The Plymouth magistrates heard evidence that Kirby was fully aware of the warnings issued to him prior to his actions but chose to ignore them, continuing with his harmful behavior despite clear instructions to cease.

The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous, expressed her feelings following the sentencing. She emphasized that Kirby had been given multiple opportunities to stop his actions but deliberately disregarded these warnings. Her statement to the Herald highlighted her hope that her case would serve as a beacon of hope for other victims of revenge porn, encouraging them to seek justice and not suffer in silence. She stated, “It wasn’t like he was not warned. He was given plenty of opportunities to stop, but he chose not to.”

Her message was clear: victims do not have to accept abuse or humiliation in silence. Her words aimed to empower others facing similar situations, reinforcing that justice is attainable and that perpetrators will be held accountable.

In court, Kirby pleaded guilty to charges of disclosing a private sexual film without his ex-partner’s consent, with the intent to cause her distress. The court also heard that on the same day, February 20, he attended her nearby residence, further aggravating his breach of trust and privacy. Additionally, it was revealed that Kirby was in violation of a previously imposed suspended prison sentence from December, which was related to a separate incident involving threats to kill his ex-partner.

The magistrates sentenced Kirby to a total of 34 weeks in prison. An eight-week term was specifically handed down for the threats made against his ex-partner, which compounded the seriousness of his actions. The court emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the dissemination of such explicit material on a social media platform accessible to the public was a severe breach of privacy and trust. Magistrates stated, “The offence is so serious because of the disclosure of highly a sexual private film on social media site open to public view. You declared your intention to cause maximum distress. The offences happened within two months of a suspended sentence being imposed.”

Kirby’s case underscores the evolving legal landscape surrounding revenge porn and highlights the importance of holding offenders accountable to protect victims and deter future misconduct.