Jilted ex made man's life hell with 'revenge porn'

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard last Wednesday, May 10, how Sarah Bushby, 38, published the picture and video after the couple had separated following a short relationship.

Prosecuting solicitor Sarah Haslam said: “The complainant describes having a short relationship with the defendant after meeting over the internet and he saw her about two times a week and it was sexual.

“They separated after six weeks and he said she was needy and constantly texting and alarm bells were ringing.

“She did not take the separation well and she did not want it to end.”

The complainant, of Amber Valley, was horrified to see a half-naked picture of himself after he had been alerted by a relative that it had been placed on Facebook by Bushby, according to Ms Haslam.

Ms Haslam added some pictures were taken with his consent and others were not and some were taken when he was asleep naked then put on the internet without his consent.

Pictures were seen by the complainant’s family, according to Ms Haslam, with the complainant in various states of undress.

Ms Haslam added that a video of a sexual nature of the complainant was also posted on Facebook.

Bushby, of Riddell Avenue, Langold, pleaded guilty to disclosing a sexual photo or film without the consent of the complainant between August and September, last year.

She also pleaded guilty to harassment after sending messages of a sexual nature to the complainant’s family, posting images and videos of a sexual nature on social media and contacting his work in between the same period.

The complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, stated he felt humiliated.

He added that he had to have time off work due to stress and even took tablets to end his life.

Magistrates adjourned the case until today, May 17, to consider a probation report before sentencing.

Defence solicitor Robert Sowter said the defendant had not realised how serious the offences were and stressed that she had acted out of character and there has been no offending since.

Mr Sowter added: “She has victim empathy and describes the event as stupid and pathetic and she feels sorry for the complainant and she has shown remorse. It was a moment of madness.”

Magistrates described the offences as “revenge porn” and recognised the images had caused great distress.

They sentenced Bushby to 16 weeks of custody suspended for 12 months with 120 hours of unpaid work.

She was ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge, £85 costs and £200 compensation.

Magistrates also imposed an 18 month restraining order banning the defendant from having any contact with the complainant.