A 29-YEAR-OLD man is the first person in the Avon and Somerset area to be sentenced for a new offence of disclosing private sexual photographs.

The man, from Bristol, admitted the charge and a second charge of harassment, at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court in Worle yesterday and was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Earlier this month, he printed off private sexual photographs of his victim and left them in a public place in Nailsea.

Following today’s sentencing hearing, Somerset Area Superintendent Mike Prior said: “Disclosing private sexual images – or so-called ‘revenge porn’ – is a new offence under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 and this is the first time we’ve successfully used these new powers.

“He committed a truly vindictive act designed to cause humiliation and distress to his victim.

“The victim has been fully supportive of our investigation and we’d like to praise her courage in coming forward and reporting the offence to us.

“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’ and we’ll always work with our partners, especially the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure new legislation is used effectively and victims are always fully supported.”