Ben Rothon - A Correction

Our article 'Revenge porn victim whose stalker ex leaked intimate photos of her online welcomes law change', published on July 3, 2023, told Karolina Smith's story after her ex-partner Ben Rothon, 37, was sentenced to 25 months imprisonment and received a 10-year restraining order for a stalking charge in 2019.

The article described how Karolina had 'seen pictures and videos of herself shared with her friends and family via Instagram' after Rothon had 'leaked intimate photos of her online'. It also reported that Rothon had been 'found guilty' of stalking causing serious alarm or distress, including an offence for disclosing private sexual content, relating to naked images.

In fact, Rothon pleaded guilty to the only count against him, namely stalking causing serious alarm or distress, contrary to section 4A(1)(b)(ii) and (5) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

We would like to make clear that Rothon was not found guilty, but admitted the stalking charge. A second charge of: “disclosing private sexual photographs with intent to cause distress” was quashed by the judge at the sentencing hearing. The article has been removed.