A 49-year-old man has been jailed for sharing an explicit video of a woman with one of her relatives, in a landmark case under ‘revenge porn’ legislation.
Threats and Blackmail from Abroad
Christopher Christou, a Cyprus resident, filmed intimate footage of himself and the victim at an address in Kent in 2019—reportedly without her knowledge or consent.
After relocating to Famagusta, Cyprus, Christou harassed the victim in June 2021 through persistent phone calls and messages. On June 30, when a male relative answered one of his calls and told Christou to stop contacting her, Christou retaliated by sending the explicit footage to the relative via WhatsApp.
He then threatened to distribute the video to other members of the victim’s family in an attempt to cause further humiliation and distress.
Arrest and Sentencing
Kent Police tracked Christou after learning he had returned to the UK. He was arrested on August 8, 2024, in Rochester and later charged with:
- Disclosing a private sexual film with intent to cause distress
- Making threats to disclose the same material
At Maidstone Crown Court, Christou pleaded guilty and was sentenced on February 7, 2025, to 10 months in prison.
He also remains subject to an extradition hearing, as he is wanted by authorities in Cyprus for alleged domestic and sexual offences.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Alan Poulton condemned Christou’s actions, saying:
“Christou was clearly intent on inflicting the maximum humiliation and embarrassment upon his victim. She has suffered an immeasurable amount of distress, and her life has been profoundly impacted by his cruel actions.
“We are thankful that the victim has found the courage to give evidence and ensure Christou has now faced justice. I would urge anyone going through something similar to seek help and report it. Sharing private images without consent is a serious offence, and perpetrators will be pursued robustly.”
How to Get Help
Victims of ‘revenge porn’ or image-based abuse are encouraged to contact the police or reach out to support organizations such as Revenge Porn Helpline (0345 600 0459).
If you or someone you know needs help, report the crime to police by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
