A woman from Donegal has avoided a criminal conviction after sharing a nude photograph of her former partner on social media.
The defendant, in her 30s, appeared at Letterkenny District Court in connection with the incident.
In 2021, the Gardaí (Irish police) received a complaint from a man who alleged his ex-partner had posted a compromising image of him on her Snapchat story.
Gardaí interviewed the man, took a statement, and secured screenshots of the alleged offending content.
The woman, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, admitted to Gardaí during questioning that she had posted the image.
Sergeant Jim Collins informed the court that the woman made certain allegations during the investigation, stating that the man had caused significant distress to her and her family, and that her actions were a reaction to this.
Defense solicitor, Mr. Donough Cleary, argued that the image was the man’s profile picture on a Tinder account. He added that the woman received the photo from a third party, saying, “it was cast up in her face by persons who perhaps had issues with him.”
Judge Éiteáin Cunningham emphasized that sharing any personal information or images without consent is unacceptable.
“The Court does not condone this behavior in any way, shape, or form, and we see it far too often,” Judge Cunningham stated. “It is unacceptable regardless of whether you received it from someone else. It is not acceptable to share it with anyone.”
The woman faced charges under Section 22 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act, 2020, for publishing an intimate image (a naked picture/video) of another person without their consent in April 2021, with the intent to cause harm or being reckless as to whether harm would be caused.
Sergeant Collins confirmed the man did not wish to provide a victim impact statement.
Mr. Cleary noted the offense had only recently been legislated before the incident and alluded to “significant issues” and “unpleasant behaviour” his client’s family had experienced. The woman’s identity remains protected due to other ongoing related legal matters, the court confirmed.
Mr. Cleary acknowledged his client’s regret, but framed the incident within the context of their troubled relationship.
Judge Cunningham described it as a serious offense but acknowledged the defendant’s lack of prior convictions and good behavior since the event.
“Social media platforms should not be used in this way, without the prior consent of the individual,” she reiterated.
Judge Cunningham granted the accused the benefit of the Probation of Offenders Act, adding, “Notwithstanding my comments, which I hope she hears loud and clear.”
Coco’s Law, officially the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, took effect in February 2021 and criminalizes the distribution of intimate images without consent, or threats to do so, with the intention to cause harm.
Named in memory of Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox, a young woman who tragically died by suicide after relentless online abuse, the legislation followed a nationwide campaign spearheaded by her family.
Woman avoids conviction for sharing fake image of ex-partner was last modified: July 7th, 2025 by
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