MAN JAILED FOR WHATSAPP ‘REVENGE PORN’ AFTER POSTING IMAGES OF WOMAN ONLINE
A young man aged 21, called Luke King, has reportedly become the first person in the United Kingdom to be imprisoned for uploading revenge pornography online.He received a three-month jail sentence after admitting to harassment without violence.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that in August, King shared private images of a woman through WhatsApp following a series of threats against her.
Residing in Aspley, Nottingham, King was also subjected to a restraining order to stop him from making further contact with the woman.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) pointed out that this case highlights the serious stance taken against such offences, with prosecutors now applying guidelines introduced in October to bring charges under existing laws.
Peter Shergill, a district crown prosecutor for the CPS, characterized the offence as malicious and retribution-based, stating, 'Prosecutors are now adhering to guidance issued in October that clarifies our ability to use current legislation in prosecuting offenders of these invasive acts.' Due to the threats issued and the distribution of multiple images, King was charged with harassment.
This case marked the first of its kind in Derbyshire since the new prosecutorial guidelines were introduced.
The CPS stressed that these types of offences are now being pursued more aggressively, resulting in the offender facing jail and a restraining order to prevent further contact.
A police representative from Derbyshire also reiterated the importance of treating these actions as crimes, urging victims to gather evidence and report incidents to authorities without delay.
