Man Jailed for Sharing Revenge Porn in Groundbreaking Case
A 49-year-old man has been locked up for sharing an explicit video of a woman with one of her relatives. This marks a landmark case under the UK’s ‘revenge porn’ laws.
Blackmail and Threats From Abroad
Christopher Christou, who lives in Cyprus, secretly filmed intimate footage of himself and the victim at a Kent address in 2019, without her knowledge or consent.
After moving to Famagusta, Cyprus, Christou started harassing the victim with persistent phone calls and messages in June 2021. On June 30, when a male relative answered one of Christou’s calls and told him to stop contacting her, Christou struck back by sending the explicit video to the relative via WhatsApp.
He then threatened to share the footage with other family members, aiming to cause maximum humiliation and distress.
Tracked Down and Jailed
Kent Police hunted Christou down after discovering he had returned to the UK. He was arrested on August 8, 2024, in Rochester and charged with:
- Disclosing a private sexual film intending to cause distress
- Making threats to disclose the material
At Maidstone Crown Court, Christou pleaded guilty. On February 7, 2025, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
He’s also facing an extradition hearing, as authorities in Cyprus want him for alleged domestic and sexual offences.
Police Warn Against Revenge Porn
Detective Sergeant Alan Poulton said: “Christou was clearly intent on inflicting the maximum humiliation and embarrassment on his victim. She has suffered immeasurable distress, and her life has been profoundly affected by his cruel actions.”
“We’re grateful the victim found the courage to come forward and ensure justice was served. Anyone facing similar abuse should seek help and report it. Sharing private images without consent is a serious offence. Perpetrators will be pursued robustly.”
Where Victims Can Get Help
If you’re a victim of revenge porn or image-based abuse, contact the police immediately or call the Revenge Porn Helpline on 0345 600 0459.
You can report crimes by calling 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
