'˜Revenge porn' Sunderland boyfriend posted explicit pictures of partner on Facebook

Mark Andrew Ferguson, of Sunderland, had been in a relationship with the woman when he put the pictures of her online on May 15 this year.

The woman had not given her consent for Ferguson, 26, to do so, and when she was made aware of his actions, she alerted the police.

Ferguson had initially stood trial at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court over an offence of disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress, but then pleaded guilty during the two-day hearing.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman in July.

Brian Chapman, defending, told a hearing at which Ferguson was sentenced: “There had been difficulties in the relationship between the two and there has been a certain amount of disapproval between the families regarding their relationship.

“That relationship is one which they intend to engage.

“Mr Ferguson is a man who has problems controlling his emotions, as well as responding to adverse circumstances.

“It’s fair to say there is animosity.

“But we are getting sidetracked about their relationship, rather than looking at Mr Ferguson’s actions.

“He should be given all of the help to deal with his demons and he has to accept that people might not always see things his way.”

District judge Roger Elsey, presiding over the case, told the hearing that officers from Northumbria Police had been called out numerous times in the past two years to domestic violence incidents concerning Ferguson.

“You need to stop blaming your victims and start to accept responsibility for the way you behave,” said Mr Elsey.

“If the pattern continues it will inevitably end up with you serving a sentence of imprisonment.

“Accept responsibility and stop blaming other people.”

Ferguson, of Laburnum Road, in Fulwell, was handed an 18-month community sentence and also ordered to attend the Building Better Relationships programme.

He was also ordered to carry out 140 hours unpaid work and pay a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £150.

The victim was also granted a two-year restraining order against Ferguson.

“If you are to have any relationship with her, you must show her the respect she is entitled to,” Mr Elsey told Ferguson.

“There is a lot of work for you to do.”