BARNSLEY WOMAN WHO IDENTIFIED SEX OFFENCE VICTIMS ON FACEBOOK SENTENCED
A Barnsley woman who exposed the identities of sexual offence victims has narrowly avoided jail time.Ann Marie Evans, aged 27, was given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, after admitting to four offences—two under the Malicious Communications Act and two under the Sexual Offences Act—at Sheffield Magistrates' Court last month.
Her offending involved posting on Facebook in which she named two women, as well as a third individual she wrongly believed was involved in the crimes.
As per the Sexual Offences Amendment Act, victims are automatically granted lifelong anonymity from the moment an allegation is made, meaning their identities, including on social media, must not be published.
The case was investigated by officers from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood.
Evans from Straight Lane, Barnsley, was also ordered to perform 60 hours of unpaid work and to pay £100 in compensation to each of the women.
Philip Marshall, a senior officer at the NCA, stated that protecting victims is the key focus of Operation Stovewood and commended their bravery in coming forward.
Liz Fell, a prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, pointed out that Evans’ actions infringed on the victims’ right to lifelong anonymity, causing them distress.
She added that the authorities will pursue prosecution against anyone breaching the law when enough evidence is available.
