A man who filmed a couple having sex in the same Tyrone Airbnb as him and shared it online has been jailed

A man who filmed a couple having sex in the same Airbnb as him and shared it online has been jailed.

Jack Galway (22), of Ballymiscaw Road, Holywood, Co Down, admitted two counts of misusing a communications network by sending messages with indecent or obscene content.

Police received a report of voyeurism by a woman who believed she had been covertly recorded while engaging in an intimate act with her partner without their consent.

It transpired the video was subsequently circulated on social media platforms by Galway.

Filming took place on January 26 this year, at an Airbnb in Ballygawley which the victim, her partner and a number of other members of a Young Farmers Association, had booked.

The video was checked by officers who noted Galway inadvertently “unmasked” himself and was clearly seen towards the end of the footage.

He was arrested but provided ‘no comment’ replies to all questions during interview.

A defence barrister explained all those staying at the property were members of a Young Farmers Association and had been attending an event in the area.

He accepted Galway was very fortunate not to have been charged with voyeurism, but it instead proceeded as misuse of communications arising from “a series of extremely stupid decisions.”

District Judge Francis Rafferty remarked: “Stupid is being kind. He made a series of malicious decisions in a situation where he had no right to be observing.

“He surreptitiously began to film, which is bad enough and according to the pre-sentence reports seems to suggest that was at the acquiescence of his friend who was the male party involved, and if that’s true it does him little credit. He then shared the video on social media and then shared it again. This was malicious and wicked.”

The defence said Galway “has been suspended by the Young Farmers Association over this matter. He displayed an element of immaturity, but he should have known better. He didn’t appreciate the consequences this would have for the victim.”

Judge Rafferty responded: “I don’t accept for one minute he wasn’t aware of what might happen. A blind man on a galloping horse could have seen what would happen.

“The victim has been profoundly impacted. Her reputation has been affected and there is a lasting impact on her emotional wellbeing, her sense of safety and her ability to feel comfortable in her social and professional environments.”

Ruling only a prison sentence would suffice, Judge Rafferty jailed Galway for four months.