Paul Andrews posted photographs of his ex online 'while drunk'

Paul Andrews, 29, pleaded guilty to revenge porn at Southampton Magistrates’ Court after he had posted the picture onto social messaging site WhatsApp.

A report going into further detail was presented to the court but was not read out.

Dressed in a black top and wearing blue jeans the electrician smiled as he walked free from court after posting the picture when he was drunk.

He also pleaded guilty to stalking his ex-girlfriend, visiting her repeatedly while she was at work.

Jane Hiatt, representing Andrews, from Oslo Tower in International Way, said he was in “an emotional state” because his sister was suffering from skin cancer.

She said: “He was heavy in drink, he doesn’t remember putting them online. He’s very remorseful and regrets what has happened.”

He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and cannabis and harassment of his ex-girlfriend.

Because of his early guilty plea he received a suspended sentence.

Handing down an 18-week sentence, suspended for two years, the magistrate chairman Susanne Swan said: “We consider these matters so serious that a custodial sentence could have been put in place or could have been sent to crown court.”

A restraining order was placed upon the victim preventing him from contacting the victim or entering Belleview Road, Southampton, or Sorrel Close, Locks Heath.

He also will have to undergo a behavioural programme and a further assessment for alcohol and drug misuse.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs, £80 victim surcharge and £180 compensation.