A Newcastle Man Sentenced to Jail for Threatening to Share Ex’s Nude Photos
A Newcastle man has been sentenced to jail after threatening to share intimate images of his former partner with her friends and family. Ethan Henshaw, 31, appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Friday afternoon, where he learned his fate after pleading guilty to sending his ex-girlfriend six videos and six images of her engaged in sexual acts, and then threatening to leak them to those close to her.
Henshaw, a car salesman, wore prison greens as he watched on via videolink from Silverwater prison. The series of incidents that led to his jail sentence occurred from October until February and left his victim feeling anxious, stressed, and scared. Henshaw was already on bail for the matters for which he was sentenced on Friday, but the court was informed that he had been taken into custody on remand in May on unrelated charges.
The court was told that Henshaw pleaded guilty to threatening to distribute an intimate image without consent, as well as three breaches of an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) put in place to protect his ex-girlfriend, who cannot be identified. The incidents unfolded following the breakdown of their relationship in October last year when Henshaw became angry with her following an argument and sent her explicit images and videos from their time together.
Subheadings:
Threats and Blackmail
Flouting the AVO
Sentenced to Jail
The victim reached out to one of Henshaw’s friends, asking him to speak to him. Henshaw then relayed a message back to the victim, via his friend, indicating that he ‘may or may not send the images’ to her family and friends. The woman reported the incident to the police, leading to Henshaw’s arrest at his Boolaroo home.
Although Henshaw maintained that he never intended to release the images, Magistrate Greg Grogin stated that Henshaw was ‘heralding’ that it was a ‘possibility’. An AVO was put in place to prevent him from contacting her, but he still attempted to do so by sending her a friend request on Snapchat and a text message through the social media application, expressing concern and care for her.
Henshaw further breached the AVO when he was found in a park adjacent to the woman’s address, claiming he was just walking his dog when approached by the police. He also attempted to contact her via Telegram, sending her multiple messages and making calls, causing the woman to feel scared and distressed to the point of taking a day off work. Mr. Grogin noted that the woman was alarmed by Henshaw’s erratic behavior.
Henshaw’s solicitor argued for a community-based order as an alternative to full-time jail, and Henshaw wrote a letter to the court expressing his remorse and disgust with his actions. However, Mr. Grogin emphasized Henshaw’s obsession with the victim and the violation of trust in their previous relationship. He stated that the community needed protection and that Henshaw had to be held accountable, leading to the decision that there was no other appropriate sentence than prison.
Subheadings:
Threats and Violations
Legal Consequences
Protecting the Community
Henshaw was sentenced to 15 months in jail with a non-parole period of nine months. With credit for time already served in prison, he will be eligible for release on February 15. The sentencing serves as a warning of the serious consequences of threatening to share intimate images without consent and violating legal orders put in place to protect individuals from harm.
The case highlights the importance of respecting privacy and boundaries in relationships, as well as the legal repercussions of engaging in threatening or coercive behavior. It also underscores the need for swift and decisive action by the legal system to hold offenders accountable and protect victims from further harm.
The impact of such actions on victims can be profound, leading to feelings of fear, distress, and anxiety. It is crucial for individuals to understand the gravity of their actions and the lasting harm they can cause to others. By upholding the law and imposing appropriate consequences, the justice system plays a vital role in deterring future offenders and safeguarding the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Ethan Henshaw for threatening to share his ex’s nude photos and violating legal orders serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and the serious consequences of engaging in coercive or threatening behavior. The case underscores the need for accountability and protection for victims, as well as the role of the legal system in upholding justice and deterring future offenses.
