Bristol 'revenge porn' man is spared jail

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A man has been given a six-month suspended sentence after admitting a "revenge porn" offence.

The 29-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, admitted a charge of disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress.

The man, from Bristol, also admitted a second charge of harassment.

North Somerset Magistrates' Court was told the man had left the photographs of his victim in a public place in July this year.

'Truly vindictive act'

So-called revenge porn - the sharing of sexual photos or videos of another person without their consent - is a new offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

It can include images posted on social networks, including Facebook and Twitter, and those sent by text without permission.

Convicted offenders could face up to two years imprisonment.

Speaking outside court, Supt Mike Prior said it was the first time Avon and Somerset Police had successfully used the new powers.

"He committed a truly vindictive act designed to cause humiliation and distress to his victim," Mr Prior said.

"It's time to see offences like this as socially unacceptable with the potential to result in some very serious consequences.

"I hope this case acts as a warning that we won't tolerate any kind of revenge porn".

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