Wiltshire man and his mother sentenced for “revenge porn” after sharing explicit photos and video of ex-girlfriend

A Wiltshire man and his mother have been sentenced today (19 January 2023) at Winchester Crown Court for sharing explicit photos and a video of a woman in a case of so-called “revenge porn”.

Matthew Cooper-Collyer, 23, from Monkton Deverill, Wiltshire, was found guilty of sending private sexual photographs and a video of his ex-girlfriend to his mother, Linda Collyer, 41 and also from Monkton Deverill, after a trial in November last year.
He sent them to his mother knowing that she would send them on with the intention to cause embarrassment and distress as revenge for the relationship between Matthew and the victim coming to an end.

Linda Collyer admitted sending the explicit photographs and video to the victim’s father, as well as sending messages to her parents that were indecent, grossly offensive and threatening, with the intention to cause distress and anxiety.

They were both sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. They must also undertake 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.

Melanie Hodges, CPS Wessex Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “Matthew Cooper-Collyer claimed that his mother was solely responsible for sending the private photos and video, but evidence of messages between them proved this was not the case.

“They knew that sharing such private photographs of the victim would have a profound effect on her, and would cause her lasting distress.

“Sharing private sexual photographs and videos without consent is illegal, and causes untold damage and distress to victims.

“The CPS works closely with the police from the earliest opportunity to prosecute cases whenever our legal test is met, and we encourage anyone who has been threatened with or experienced revenge porn to report it to the police.”