A Stevenage man who maliciously posted explicit images of a woman on social media without her consent has been given a suspended sentence.

Darren Balaam, of York Road, also sent ‘malicious and degrading’ online messages and a ‘threatening’ photo of himself with a handgun, Stevenage magistrates heard on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of sending grossly offensive electronic messages and one of posting ‘revenge porn’ under Section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.

Chairman of the bench Sue Gordon imposed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, as well as a restraining order prohibiting Balaam from contacting the victim for two years.

In addition, she ordered Balaam to take part in ‘building better relationships’ sessions over the next 12 months.

Balaam must also pay a total of £200 in compensation and a £115 victim surcharge.