First woman prosecuted for posting revenge porn on social media – Ralli Solicitors LLP

In recent years the UK has seen a large trend regarding the frequent posting of private and explicit photographic material to social media in order to distress and degrade a former partner who may be publicly shamed or humiliated in an act of malicious behaviour.

On Tuesday, Paige Mitchell was prosecuted for the sharing of explicit images of her partner in the aftermath of an argument the couple, as well as assaulting her partner. After pleading guilty, Mitchell has received a six-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months, a 50-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and required to pay for the cost of proceedings at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court.

Under the new legislation written into criminal law, offenders can now be jailed for up to 2 years, as well as incurring a fine.

Previously similar prosecutions have been based on varying forms of legislation, not explicitly clear. Such as the Communications Act 2003, and the Harassment Act 1997.

In order to create clearer guidelines and deter the rise in revenge pornography the government was forced to bring in new legislation. The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 outlined the creation of prosecutable offences regarding the public sharing of such explicit images without consent.

In the last two and a half years, there have been 149-recorded allegations in association of revenge pornography, with as many as a dozen prosecutions this year alone.

Revenge pornography and other forms of sexual harassment can cause substantial degradation and distain for those affected, criminal law solicitors provide legal counsel in such circumstances. The representatives of Ralli Solicitors LLP have shown legal representation of defendants in cases involving sexual offences and harassment, offering great support in regards to a person’s rights in the eyes of criminal law.

About Ralli Solicitors llp

Based in the Cities of Manchester and London. Rallis main areas of practice are crime, commercial dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, partnership law, employment, professional negligence, media and intellectual property.