A Gateshead man who shared an intimate image of a woman as his WhatsApp profile picture has been spared jail. Craig Williams, 40, had been told by the woman not to contact her but did so anyway.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Williams then set an intimate picture of the victim as his profile picture on WhatsApp, where it could be viewed by anyone who had saved his number as a contact.
Victim's statement
In a victim impact statement, the woman said: "To say the events of the past 12 months has destroyed me as a person would be an understatement."
Williams, of Carr Hill Road, Gateshead, pleaded guilty to sharing an intimate image with intent to cause distress and stalking. He also admitted a further offence of criminal damage.
Defence and sentencing
Jordan Parkinson, defending, told the court that Williams was dependent on alcohol at the time of the offences and has taken steps to address the alcohol misuse. She said: "He demonstrates remorse. He describes his own actions as disgusting and feels uncomfortable when he's got to reflect upon his own behaviour."
Ms Parkinson said Williams was a self-employed labourer with a contract with South Tyneside Council.
Judge Carolyn Scott told Williams: "She asked you to leave her alone. You did not heed the warning and the messages persisted. It was at that point she became aware of an intimate image of herself on WhatsApp. You had shared that as your profile picture."
The judge handed Williams a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months with a probation requirement and 250 hours of unpaid work. He was also given a five-year restraining order against the victim and ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.
