A man has been jailed after hacking a woman’s social media accounts and possessing indecent images of children.
Following an investigation by Cumbria police’s cyber and digital crime unit, Preston Crown Court heard how Sam Partington, 30, of Cecil Street, Lytham, hacked into Snapchat and Facebook accounts of the woman.
He changed passwords, denying her access to the accounts and stole private photos from them.
His devices were examined by police as part of the investigation and officers found indecent images of children.
Partington appeared at Preston Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to 29 months in prison.
The investigation was part of Operation Alliance; Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing response to serious and organised crime.
Detective Constable Jon Hill, of Cumbria Constabulary’s cyber and digital crime unit, said: “Sam Partington used technology as a weapon to exert control. Given our growing reliance upon technology, cases of digitally-enabled domestic abuse are becoming more prevalent. However, they do remain under-reported.
“I hope that this result sends a clear message to victims, and would be offenders, that digitally- enabled domestic abuse will not be tolerated and the police will use all powers at our disposal to bring offenders to justice.
“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any type of domestic abuse, to report this matter to the constabulary via any of our reporting channels.”
