A victim of revenge porn said she felt "exploited" after a naked photo was sent to her mum.
Barry McLaren, 48, appeared in court on Friday (July 10) after admitting sending the naked photo to his ex's mum.
The former soldier sent the picture after the pair split last year following an assault.
They remained in contact as they shared dogs, however, McLaren, of Howell Drive, Greasby, became inappropriate and angry.
He shared a naked photo to the victim's mother, who was "disgusted" and "horrified".
His victim discovered what had happened when the picture, which shows a woman naked and tied up, was sent to her by her mother explaining that she had received it.
The revenge porn victim has spoken to the ECHO about the "degrading" incident which left her "completely shocked" and feeling "sick".
The woman, who the ECHO is not naming, described the process of having her trust betrayed as "humiliating" and "embarrassing".
A picture was taken while she was in a relationship with the man, but when the pair broke up he decided to share the image - which she thought had been deleted.
Speaking to the ECHO she said: "It's horrible - degrading. He's shared it with my family.
"Some things you can never unsee. All my brothers and sisters know about it.
"It has tainted people’s perception of me and my family’s perception of me."
When the picture was sent the woman spoke to police and she had to send the picture to an officer.
She said: " It was embarrassing reporting it.
"I had to send the picture to his phone, he looked away and didn’t look at it.
"It’s embarrassing. People shouldn’t be doing that to anyone - it’s nasty, it’s a cruel thing to do to someone."
In the aftermath, the victim said she felt "exploited".
She said: " My self-confidence has gone. It’s a horrible feeling to explain.
"I just feel like he’s exploited a part of me I didn’t want people knowing or seeing and it’s embarrassing.
"It’s not the sort of thing you want your mum to see."
The victim said she's now wary of new relationships, and said: "No one takes my pictures of me without me saying, I wouldn’t put myself in that position.
" I’m more aware and concerned of people like that. I’m a better judge of character now, more aware."
She explained that with everyone having a smartphone it's not uncommon for private photos to be sent regularly.
Keep up to date with crime in your local area by adding your postcode below
The woman said: " You don’t know who he’s going to share it to. You could break up, he could put a picture of you online being malicious.
" Personally I would never send a picture of me in underwear in that position even though I trust someone."
John Brown, defending, said the defendant has previously served in the armed forces and is now an aeronautical engineer.
The court heard on Friday that McLaren has suffered with PTSD, is experiencing headaches and has problems in his relationships.
After sending the picture, McLaren was sentenced by District Judge Paul Healey to an eight week sentence suspended for 18 months.
He must also complete a building better relationships programme and 180 hours of unpaid work as well as pay £85 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge.
A restraining order was also imposed preventing the 48-year-old from getting in touch with his victim in any form.
If you have been a victim of revenge porn you can seek advice through this revenge porn helpline or report it to police on 101 or online.
