Wragby man spared jail after posting image of scantily clad woman on Facebook

Highbury Magistrates Court was told that married Richard Blyth (32), of 16 Honeysuckle Lane, Wragby, had offered the woman money to send him more photos and initially she agreed.

However, she was then said to have changed her mind.

The court heard Blyth then posted the picture on her Facebook page.

Prosecutor, Farah Ramzan told the court the result was the woman was left feeling “trapped.”

Blyth, who had been subject to a number of similar investigations without being prosecuted, pleaded guilty to harassment between 1 May, 2015 and 22 April, 2016 by sending repeated numerous and unwanted text messages and sending an indecent message by uploading an image to the internet.

He was given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 12-months, ordered to complete a rehabilitation and activity requirement for 30 days, pay £250 compensation to the victim, £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

District Judge Susan Williams also imposed a four-year restraining order banning him from contacting the victim, who lives in the Islington area of London.

As she passed sentence, Judge Williams said: “This is out of control, it’s got to stop.

“It became an addiction, compulsive and coercive for sexual gratification. It’s predatory behaviour. This kind of behaviour can ruin people’s lives.”

The judge was told Blyth’s wife is standing by him and had arranged for him to see his GP and that he is now receiving help.

Ms Ramzan told the court Blythe had contacted the victim through an on-line dating site around April/May 2015 and had sent her messages by text, Whatsapp and Facebook.

Ms Ramzan added : “She sent intimate photos to him and he offered her some money for more.

“She initially agreed and then thought better of it and he persistently contacted her on and off .

“She fears him posting intimate photos of her on Facebook.”

Describing similar allegations against him in the past involving other women, Ms Ramzan told the court he had previously been cautioned but never prosecuted.

In mitigation, Liz Sergeant, said: “He’s got a problem but his wife is standing by him and has gone to their GP with him.

“She’s taken away his phone and he’s only got a pay as you go one now which only takes incoming calls.”