Man jailed after posting intimate images of woman

A man who posted private explicit images of a woman online has been jailed.

Ashley Coleman, 28, of Thistle Drive, Stanground, Peterborough, bombarded the victim with calls in January this year.

She ignored the calls, but on 17 January, she answered a call from a withheld number and heard Coleman threatening to hurt her and her child.

While the terrified victim dialled 999, Coleman repeatedly tried to call her. She then discovered he had posted a private video of her on social media.

The victim told officers Coleman had said he wanted to publicly humiliate her and previously said: “I’m gonna teach you a lesson”, and “actions have consequences”.

It also came to light that Coleman would get jealous of the fact she had a previous partner.

The victim’s mum also received numerous messages from Coleman, with one video of him driving her car without her knowing.

Coleman was arrested at his home on 18 January and after initially denying the charges, later admitted engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress and taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

On Wednesday (26 June) at Peterborough Crown Court, Coleman was sentenced to one year and four months in prison. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order.

DC Kieran Wickens said: “It was very clear Coleman had a fixation on controlling the victim and was very jealous and paranoid.

“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forwards and supporting the case.

“Legislation was brought in about seven years ago to enable us to take action against perpetrators of ‘revenge porn’. I hope today’s sentencing sends out a clear message that we will pursue offenders and put them before the courts.”

Advice for victims of stalking and harassment can be found online, including information on revenge porn.