IAN CHAPEL OF SOUTH SHIELDS SENTENCED FOR IMAGE AND HARASSMENT OFFENSES
Ian Chapel, a 39-year-old from South Shields, was sentenced after he posted a private sexual video of his former partner online, amidst his frustration over being denied access to his children following the end of their long-term relationship.The court heard that Chapel, who has 34 previous convictions, was devastated by the breakup of his relationship, which lasted approximately 18 years and resulted in four children.
He sought to humiliate his former partner, and in doing so, posted the intimate footage on Snapchat.
The woman had originally sent him the video years earlier while they were together, instructing him to delete it, but he kept the footage.
A friend of their son discovered the video, which was seen by another child's peer and then reported to the woman.
Newcastle Crown Court was told that Chapel initially maintained contact with his children after the separation but lost access following heated disputes.
In July of the previous year, the woman was alerted via text message by a friend that Chapel had posted disparaging content about her on Instagram.
His public posts included calling her offensive names, accusing her of having extramarital affairs, and claiming she was preventing him from seeing his children.
He also shared a court document bearing her and her mother’s names.
On July 10, the woman’s teenage son informed her that Chapel had uploaded the intimate video to Snapchat.
Although she had blocked him, she confirmed the video was still accessible through a friend who checked.
Additional disturbing posts included a video of Chapel expressing a wish that she be attacked with acid at her workplace and a threat to distribute leaflets if he was not granted visitation rights.
The woman expressed her distress in a victim impact statement, stating: "I feel degraded, harassed, alarmed, distressed and violated because that video was private to me.
I didn't think he would still have it, it's from years ago.
This has left me feeling like a broken woman, I feel deflated.
I've been made to feel dirty, knowing my two eldest sons are aware of this.
I'm quite anxious about what's going to happen.
He threatened me on Snapchat and said he will not stop.
I'm constantly watching my back.
I've had cameras put up because I fear for my safety." Chapel pleaded guilty to charges of disclosing a private sexual image and harassment.
The court imposed a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, alongside 150 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £200 in compensation, and a five-year restraining order.
Recorder Geraldine Kelly addressed Chapel, saying: "You were so angry about not seeing your children that you chose to intimidate, manipulate and humiliate her.
Your son was told by a friend about an intimate sexual video you posted.
Your teenage son.
What an awful experience for him to have to go through." She commented on the threatening statement regarding acid attacks, noting: "The venom in your delivery is palpable." She added: "It's clear the end of this relationship has broken you but it's not an excuse.
Your distress is evident but it's something you are going to have to get over." Defense solicitor Fiona Lamb highlighted Chapel’s emotional turmoil, stating: "He has been extremely depressed for the past few years and has tried to commit suicide on several occasions.
He is angry, no doubt, but very upset.
I am not suggesting this excuses his actions, but I hope your honor will take it into account.
He was utterly desperate and didn't know what else to do." The court proceedings underscored the damaging impact of Chapel’s actions on his victims, particularly noting the distress caused to his former partner and their children.
