The man shared intimate images of a woman online and created fake social media profiles in her name

A man shared intimate photos and private messages of a woman on various websites and created fake social media profiles in her name.

Mark Harrison, 41, has been jailed after sharing the private photos, taken almost 20 years ago, on the internet. The victim was alerted to Harrison’s horrific actions by third parties, who told her that intimate photos of her were on various websites.

Some of the intimate photos were also posted on social media from fake accounts created in both the victim’s name and fake names. These were also shared with the victim’s friends and family, as well as on local social media pages.

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Checks were carried out on two of the offending social media profiles, which revealed they had been created and used at Harrison’s home address. He was subsequently arrested in August 2022 and officers found the images on his devices, along with internet searches for the victim’s name. Harrison was later charged with the crimes.

Harrison’s victim, who is anonymous for life, said: “For a long time I felt very lonely and ashamed of what was happening to me, and even though I had done nothing wrong at all, I didn’t know who to talk to or who to talk to . where you can get some support.

“I googled ‘revenge porn help’ and approached ‘Revenge Porn Helpline’. They have really helped me over the years, I can’t say enough about them and what they have done. They search for the intimate images and actively ask the websites and pages to have them removed.

“I couldn’t have done this without their support, and I really encourage anyone who is in a similar position to contact a support group and ask for help – you will be listened to and supported.”

Harrison, of Heysham Close, Stoke-on-Trent, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday, April 22, after previously pleading guilty to the offences. The 41-year-old was jailed for 27 months for stalking causing serious distress and distributing private images with intent to cause distress.

In addition to his 27-month prison sentence, he was given a 15-year restraining order and his electronic devices and digital storage will be destroyed.

After sentencing, DC Lauren Constable, the officer leading the investigation, said: ‘Harrison’s behavior and actions have had a significant impact on his victim. She has suffered in every aspect of her life and has been subjected to an immeasurable amount of suffering because of him.

“But she had the courage to report this to Cheshire Police and the sentence Harrison has now received is the result of her courage and the subsequent police investigation. The judge presiding over the case read the Victim Impact Statements, which allowed him to really understand the impact this has had on the victim and give her a voice in the courtroom.

“I would urge anyone who experiences something similar to report it to the police and seek advice and support from the available agencies.

“While I understand how uncomfortable this may be, sharing private photos is a serious offense and will be dealt with vigorously. This has manifested itself today, putting into practice laws and legislation surrounding these types of violations, which are still relatively new. Please remember that there is help and you don’t have to go through this in silence.”