What next in Bronco Kotoni Staggs revenge porn scandal?
A high-profile lawyer has weighed in on what the ramifications could be for a person allegedly responsible for distributing a sensitive video featuring Broncos’ star Kotoni Staggs.
Police & Courts
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The person responsible for distributing a sensitive recording of Kotoni Staggs could face up to three years behind bars if charged, according to one criminal law expert.
Bill Potts, director of Potts Lawyers, told The Courier-Mail that if charged, the person at the centre of the alleged revenge porn scandal could serve serious jail time for allegedly sharing Mr Staggs’ images without consent, and may also be liable for thousands of dollars in reputational damages.
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“If (Mr Staggs) did not consent to the distribution of the material, there is certainly a significant potential it’s been done for the purposes of humiliation, or for ridicule or contempt, or to publicly harm or humiliate (him),” Mr Potts said.
Queensland legislation, brought into effect in February of last year, means it is now a crime to share an intimate image of someone without their consent, in a way that could reasonably cause distress to the other person.
Police have not yet charged anyone in relation to the recording, however investigations are ongoing.
“Police have received a complaint in relation to the unauthorised distribution of a sexually explicit video,” a police spokesman said.
According to Mr Potts, this type of anti-social behaviour, frequently referred to as “revenge porn” is not uncommon for those in the limelight.
He said generally speaking, there were several reasons someone may share private images of their former sexual partner.
“Often personal relationships can be very fraught when expectations are not met or when somebody in relationships is in trouble, but that of itself cannot and should not amount to a defence to the use of those private images,” Mr Potts said.
“Those intimate images must not be used to humiliate or harm somebody.
“We see this when relationships break down. When people are trying to harm other people. Sometimes it may be for money, sometimes it’s just out of revenge or sometimes just sheer childishness.”
Mr Potts said if Mr Staggs could prove reputational damages, he could also seek monetary compensation from the alleged distributor.
“If he loses a contract or is sacked from rugby league or even suffers hurt feelings and a sense of humiliation, that can form part of the damages he can claim,” he said.