A Perth man has pleaded guilty to distributing intimate images of his former girlfriend by posting them on Instagram, marking the first successful prosecution under WA's new revenge porn laws.
Mitchell Joseph Brindley pleaded guilty to distributing the images in April, after the pair's relationship had ended.
WA Police said Brindley created a false Instagram page in the victim's name and posted seven images without her consent.
When that Instagram page was removed, four other Instagram pages were created in the victim's name and a total of 10 intimate images were posted.
Sentencing was adjourned until July 22 to allow time for a psychological report to be prepared.
Brindley was told by the Fremantle Magistrate that he was not to contact the victim, approach within 50 metres of her, or be within 100 metres of where she works or lives.
Hold people to account for 'obscene crimes': Premier
The State Government introduced the new intimate images laws last year in a bid to crack down on so-called revenge porn.
The laws make it a criminal offence to distribute non-consensual intimate images, punishable by jail terms of 18 months to three years and fines of up to $18,000.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said revenge porn had been a problem for a long time.
"We passed the laws to make sure that anyone who does it can be held criminally accountable," he said.
"I won't comment on the individual case but it is an appalling crime that can damage a person for the rest of their lives, someone you allegedly were close to.
"I'll let the courts run their course but it is one of those obscene crimes that people deserve to be held accountable for."
