A SALTCOATS man shared an intimate video of a female partner to others without the woman’s consent in a private social media chat.

Michael Frazer Howie, 31, admitted causing fear, alarm and distress through the invasion of privacy, when he appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week [Thursday, September 17].

Howie, of Dalry Road, pled guilty to a single charge of intentionally or recklessly causing the woman fear, alarm or distress by disclosing a film to a group on social media application Whatsapp which showed the woman in an intimate situation and which had not previously been disclosed to the pubic in any way with her consent.

Court papers state the offence was committed at an unknown location in Ayrshire between April 30 May 19 this year.

Howie’s defence solicitor told the court his client was in a relationship with the woman during the time and that the offence was in no way a ‘revenge situation by any stretch’, adding he had no previous convictions .

No further narration of the facts in the case was read out in court during the hearing – with the sheriff telling Howie he was awaiting reports before dealing with his case any further.

The sheriff told Howie to cooperate with anyone tasked with compiling the social work reports and not to communicate with the woman or post comments on social media.

Bail was continued and Howie will return to court at a later date.

Any information on criminality in the area can be reported to Police Scotland on 101, in an emergency always dial 999.