Posted private sexual footage of the woman on Snapchat.

A South Shields man, Ian Chapel, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, for posting a private sexual video of his ex-partner on Snapchat.

Chapel, 39, had been in a long-term relationship with the woman for 18 years and they have four children together. After the couple separated, Chapel was denied contact with the children following arguments.

In July 2022, the woman received a text message from a friend informing her that Chapel had posted derogatory remarks about her on Instagram. He called her names, accused her of infidelity, and claimed she was preventing him from seeing their children. He also posted a court letter containing her name and her mother's name.

The woman was then told by her teenage son that Chapel had posted the intimate video on Snapchat. The video had been sent to Chapel years earlier during their relationship, and she had asked him to delete it. Despite blocking Chapel on the platform, the woman asked a friend to check, who confirmed the video was still present.

Chapel also posted a video on Snapchat threatening to print leaflets and claiming he hoped the woman would be attacked with acid at work.

In a victim impact statement, the woman said, "I feel degraded, harassed, alarmed, distressed and violated because that video was private to me. I didn't think he would still have it, it's from years ago. This has left me feeling like a broken woman, I feel deflated. I've been made to feel dirty, knowing my two eldest sons are aware of this. I'm quite anxious about what's going to happen. He threatened me on Snapchat and said he will not stop. I'm constantly watching my back. I've had cameras put up because I fear for my safety."

At Newcastle Crown Court, Chapel pleaded guilty to disclosing a private sexual picture and harassment. He was sentenced to 12 months suspended for 18 months, with 150 hours of unpaid work, £200 compensation, and a five-year restraining order.

Recorder Geraldine Kelly stated, "You were so angry about not seeing your children you chose to intimidate, manipulate and humiliate her. Your son was told by his friend about an intimate sexual video you posted. Your teenage son. What an awful experience for him to have to go through."

Referring to the threat about acid, the judge said, "The venom in your delivery is palpable. It's clear the end of this relationship has broken you but it's not an excuse. Your distress is evident but it's something you are going to have to get over."

Fiona Lamb, Chapel's defense attorney, explained that Chapel was heartbroken at not being able to see his children and had been suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. She acknowledged that Chapel's actions were not excusable but hoped the court would take his emotional state into consideration.