Two Men Charged with Revenge Porn

A 24 year old man has been charged with revenge porn after he sent a private video of his ex-girlfriend to a former partner of hers, who was also charged with the offence.

Video Clip

Aidan Farrelley sent a 30 second long clip, in which Joanna Trayte is performing a sex act, to 34 year old Christopher Green via Whatsapp. Mr Farrelly reportedly sent the clip after the emotional breakdown of his relationship with Ms Trayte.

Mr Green, a former partner of Ms Trayte and with whom she shares a child, then tried to contact Ms Trayte to warn her of the video. Ms Trayte failed to respond and, fearing that their child would be ‘ostracised’, Mr Green sent the video to a friend of the victims to show her.

However, despite alerting police that he had received the video in a bid to get it removed or deleted, Mr Green was taken to court and charged with distributing revenge porn along with Mr Farrelley.

Sentencing

Martin Lewis, prosecuting, told the court Mr Farrelley had confessed he ‘had done this out of revenge, because he thought she had been going out with Mr Green’.

Mr Farrelley, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, pleaded guilty to one count of distributing private sexual pictures and/or film with intent to cause distress. He was sentenced to two months, suspended for 12 months and ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work. Mr Farrelley was also ordered to pay £250 in costs.

Sentencing Mr Farrelley at Harrow Crown Court, Judge Martyn Barklem said:

“Mr Farrelley you decided to publish this video, an intimate video you had, out of spite and desire for revenge and that is something that is regarded as very serious.

“It is a relatively new offence, but with the fact is once these videos are in the public arena, it seems like a Pandora’s Box never to be closed again, and they stay online forever.

“I accept you may not have intended or wanted it to be so widely published.”

Mr Farrelley also faced one count of harassment, but this was withdrawn by the prosecution.

‘Could have warned her in another way’

Speaking for Green’s defence, Louise Thomas said:

“In relation to the offence he was made aware that Mr Farrelley had posted a video of the complainant.

“He was upset about this and was worried about the effect it would have on his son which he has with the complainant.

“He didn’t want his son to be ostracised and tried to warn the complainant about the video. He messaged her and she didn’t reply.

“He decided to send the video to a friend of hers, so she could show her the video and he called the police.

“He accepts he could have warned her in another way, and he is very remorseful.”

Mr Green also pleaded guilty to one count of distributing private sexual pictures and/or film with intent to cause distress. He was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £250 in costs.

‘Trying to protect our son’

Sentencing Mr Green, the judge told him:

“It seems to me that having read through the documents and witness statements in this case that although what you did was foolish in sending the video, you genuinely did so out of concern for the child you share with the complainant.”

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Green said:

“I was trying to protect our son. That was the only thing I wanted to do. I was trying to help her, we have got a child together and that’s the reason why.

“I didn’t think warning her or warning her through her mate was breaking the law in any form.”

Sexual abuse claims – expert advice

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For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email [email protected]

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Source: Mail Online