A MAN who shared naked photos of his ex girlfriend online has become the first person in Wiltshire to be convicted under new 'revenge porn' laws.

Ricky Jolliffe, 21, of Sanders Close, admitted publishing two intimate photos of his former partner on her Facebook account on May 14 this year when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court today.

The post came days after their five-year relationship ended.

Magistrates heard the woman had sent the photos at his request shortly before they broke up and that the photos came to light after the victim’s mother logged into Facebook and saw the private images had been published on her daughter’s wall.

Jolliffe, who has behavioural condition Asperger's syndrome, was accompanied by a support worker when he pleaded guilty to the offence yesterday.

Kate Prince, prosecuting said Jolliffe’s ex-girlfriend had been emotionally scarred by the publication of the photos.

“She was disgusted, hurt, humiliated, upset that her friends, family, parents had seen these private and intimate photos,” she said.

“Her mother said she feels upset and angry by it all and that someone her daughter trusted could do this behind her back.”

Sam Arif, defending, said Jolliffe was sincerely apologetic for causing distress to his ex-partner.

“He apologises to all concerned that this happened. It was an on-off relationship, they would break up and get back together in a few days. He understands that what he did was wrong,” she said

Ms Arif said her client claimed he had shared the photos after seeing a private message to his ex from another man on Facebook.

“The victim left her Facebook account logged in and he saw a male had messaged her. So he sent the photos back, this is where the revenge element comes into it. But he never thought others would see it,” she said.

The new law defines revenge porn as “photographs or films which show people engaged in sexual activity or depicted in a sexual way or with their genitals exposed, where what is shown would not usually be seen in public” and which are distributed without the person’s permission and with intent to cause harm or distress.

Chair of the magistrates Michael New said upon sentencing that an electronic tagging order would be put in place. A current community order issued on May 25 will continue to run.

“You know it was silly, foolish and wrong to do that,” Mr New said.

“You will wear an electronic tag for a period of three months and this will mean you can’t go out between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

“You will pay £85 court costs, £180 court charges and a £60 victim surcharge. I will not impose a restraining order because it may be setting you up to fail if the victim contacts you.

“Heaven help you if you cause trouble again.”