A TULLIBODY man has been sentenced for threatening to release intimate photos of his former partner after their relationship broke down.

Between December 21 and January 25, 2019, Michael Giannandrea sent messages to his ex-partner which were grossly offensive, indecent and menacing in character.

The second charge goes on to say that the accused threatened to disclose a series of photographs which showed the complainer in an intimate situation, without her consent.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty when he appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court at the beginning of July.

Kelly Howe, representing Giannandrea, told the court last Thursday that the relationship had broken down previously after the accused found out his partner had been unfaithful.

It had resumed for a short while before ending once again.

Ms Howe continued by saying the complainer was under the impression it was not an "exclusive relationship", rather a casual arrangement, while the accused thought it was a proper relationship.

Upon being told this by the complainer, the 22-year-old accused "reacted badly", which resulted in the behaviour libelled.

The defence agent went on to say that her client now "recognises the relationship is over", adding that he could benefit from a period of supervision to tackle certain mental health issues.

Sheriff David Mackie imposed a six month community payback order with a supervision order on Giannandrea, of Glen Kinchie, Tullibody.

He told him: "You have made some bad judgements which you talk through with this order."

Disclosing or threatening to disclose an intimate photograph or film without consent is a crime under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm Act.

The offence, sometimes referred to as "revenge porn", was enacted into law last summer, following years of campaigning from groups such as Scottish Women's Aid.