A Craigavon judge has questioned whether the Magistrates’ Court has sufficient sentencing powers in the case against a man accused of sharing a sexualised video of a woman with others.
David Ashley White, of Glenholme Park in Lurgan, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday accused of disclosing a private sexual video of a woman with others without her consent on April 14 of this year.
The 32-year-old is also accused of engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive of the same complainant.
He is also accused of a single count of voyeurism between September 1, 2023 and April 30, 2024.
None of the alleged facts were heard in court, however, District Judge Michael Ranaghan said: “I have reviewed the statement by the complainant and she reports live sexualised images of her being filmed and shared with others by the defendant.
“The charge, in this court, carries a maximum penalty of six months. On a guilty plea I’d be obliged to apply a sentence of four months, which is net effective a few months in custody.
“I do not feel the sentencing powers of this court are adequate to deal with those offences so I will – and I know it will likely fall on deaf ears – ask the PPS to review that matter and perhaps take on the views of the complainant in the case as well.”
The case was adjourned until December 18 with a review requested by the court.
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