Stoke-on-Trent man jailed for sharing intimate images of woman

Mark Harrison will spend more than two years behind bars after admitting to stalking involving serious distress and distributing private images.

His victim, a woman from Cheshire East, was made aware by third parties that there were intimate photographs of her on various websites.

Speaking after his sentencing at Chester Crown Court on Monday (April 22), she said: “For a long time, I felt very alone and embarrassed about what was happening to me and although I hadn’t done anything wrong at all, I didn’t know who to talk to or where to get any support from.

“I Googled ‘revenge porn help’ and approached ‘Revenge Porn Helpline’. They have really helped me over the years, I can’t speak highly enough about them and what they have done.

“They search for the intimate images and actively apply to the websites and pages to have them removed.

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

Mark Harrison has been jailed for 27 months (Image: Cheshire Police)

Photographs of the victim were posted on social media via fake accounts made in her name and others using made-up names.

These images were also shared with her friends and family, as well as on local social media pages.

Police enquiries found that two of the offending profiles were created and used at Harrison’s home address, on Heysham Close in Weston Coyney, Stoke-on-Trent.

He was subsequently arrested in August 2022 and officers located the images on his devices, along with web searches for the victim’s name.

Harrison, 41, was jailed for 27 months and handed a 15-year restraining order.

Meanwhile, all of his electronic devices and digital storage will be destroyed.

DC Lauren Constable, the officer leading the investigation, said: “Harrison’s behaviour 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 distress because of him.

“But she had the courage to report this to Cheshire Police and the sentence Harrison has now received is as a result of her bravery and the subsequent police investigation.

“The judge presiding over the case read the victim impact statements, which has enabled him to really understand the impact this has had on the victim and give her a voice inside the courtroom.

“I implore anyone who might be going through something similar to report this to police, and to seek advice and support from the available agencies.

“While I understand how uncomfortable this can be, sharing private images is a serious offence and will be dealt with robustly.

“This has been reflected today, and puts into practice laws and legislations surrounding this type of offence that are still relatively new.

“Please remember, help is here, and you do not need to suffer this in silence.”