STOKE-ON-TRENT MAN JAILED OVER REVENGE PORN AND STALKING
A man from Stoke-on-Trent, Mark Harrison, has received a 27-month prison sentence after sharing intimate photographs of a woman online.He admitted to stalking the victim, which caused her considerable distress, and to sharing private sexual images intending to upset her.
Harrison posted these photos on social media using counterfeit accounts, which resulted in the woman feeling 'very alone and embarrassed.' The photographs, taken almost twenty years beforehand, were brought to light when others informed the victim that they had been circulated on the internet.
Cheshire Police stated that Harrison created social media profiles under the woman's name and fake aliases, distributing the images to her friends, family, and local online groups.
He was detained in August 2022, and authorities found the images on his devices during arrest procedures.
The victim relayed that she had endured deep emotional pain, feeling 'very alone and embarrassed' despite her innocence.
She had sought support from a revenge porn helpline over time, which assisted her in coping.
Detective Constable Lauren Constable praised her courage in reporting the offence and highlighted the damaging impact such acts have.
Harrison was also given a court order banning him from contacting the woman for 15 years, and his electronic equipment and digital storage devices will be permanently destroyed.
The photographs, taken nearly 20 years earlier, were used by Harrison as part of his online activities, including searches for her name.
Authorities remind the public that sharing private images without consent is a serious criminal offence, and individuals affected should seek help from law enforcement.
