Canberra Man Receives Prison Sentence for Distributing Intimate Images Without Consent
A Canberra man has been sentenced to jail for distributing explicit photographs of a woman without her consent, with the court hearing he committed a second offence minutes after being formally notified he would be charged for the initial crime.
Victim's Ongoing Fear and Impact Statement
In an emotional impact statement read to the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the victim expressed ongoing fear for her safety. "I worry all the time that when he's out [of jail] he will try to find us and hurt us," she stated.
The woman revealed the man had previously threatened to rape her and kill a family member, leaving her with persistent concerns about potential future attacks.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Jacob Marshall, also known as Jacob Sommers, pleaded guilty to two charges of distributing an intimate image of another person without consent. The 30-year-old was sentenced to one year and three months in jail with a nine-month non-parole period.
While the man and woman knew each other, the charges were not classified as family violence offences.
Chronology of Offences
The court heard that in May and October 2025, Marshall sent different intimate images to the victim's ex-partner and another man known to her. Before sending the first image, he messaged the victim stating: "Don't forget I still have photos of you. You should be walking on eggshells when talking with me."
The second offence occurred just minutes after Marshall was handed a summons to appear in court for the initial photograph distribution.
Prosecution and Defence Arguments
Prosecutor Tahlia Drumgold told the court the crimes could be classified "as a form of revenge porn" and were committed specifically to humiliate the woman. "[He] acted in retaliation for the victim having approached police," Ms Drumgold argued.
She further stated Marshall demonstrated a lack of victim empathy and "appears to engage in a form of victim blaming."
Defence lawyer Manon McPherson from the Aboriginal Legal Service argued her client was remorseful and that his time in jail before sentencing had significantly impacted his mental health.
Magistrate's Findings and Additional Orders
Magistrate Alexandra Burt expressed caution about the depth of Marshall's remorse during sentencing. "It is obvious to anyone that distributing an intimate image like that would cause someone at least humiliation and embarrassment and shame," Ms Burt stated.
The magistrate noted "an element, or an aspect, of controlling behaviour" in Marshall's actions and found there was "a degree of retaliation" in sending the second image after the woman reported the initial offence to police.
Marshall was also ordered to take reasonable action to delete the intimate images within seven days of his release from jail. He will be eligible for parole in June 2026.
Community Response and Support Services
The victim's mother addressed the court directly, calling Marshall "a predator" and labelling his actions "disgusting."
Support services remain available for those affected by similar issues, including Lifeline (13 11 14), 1800-RESPECT (1800 737 732), and the ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service (6280 0900).
