Three images discovered by the man’s partner

The man’s solicitor argued that the incident wasn’t technically ‘revenge porn’ but simply boasting to a friend.

Sharing intimate images of your partner could land you in court, as one South Grafton man has discovered. Picture: Pixabay

Sharing intimate images of your partner could land you in court, as one South Grafton man has discovered.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Grafton Local Court after pleading guilty to intentionally distributing three intimate images without consent.

According to the Police fact sheet tendered to the Court, the discovery was made on Saturday, July 2, 2021 when the victim suspected the man was being unfaithful in their relationship and took his mobile phone.

Court documents state the victim eventually discovered three intimate images, which they had previously sent to him throughout their relationship, had also been sent to a work colleague using WhatsApp.

The victim later attended Grafton Police Station where they discussed ownership of the phone and the intimate content they had discovered.

Police contacted the man by phone and he was cautioned and informed of the allegation. According to the court documents, the man made no admissions and was informed that police were investigating the matter.

The man was later arrested and charged for distributing the intimate images.

During sentencing, the man’s defence submitted that while the charge often refers to ‘revenge porn’ where intimate images, usually of a former sexual partner, are distributed publicly without consent in order to cause them distress, this incident involved theft of a phone, where the images were shared to “boast to a friend how beautiful his partner was” rather than out of revenge.

The man’s defence also highlighted his significant community involvement and absence of a criminal record.

Magistrate Kathy Crittenden found the charge proved without conviction and ordered the man to complete a 12-month Conditional Release Order.