Southland Police have commended the bravery of women who came forward in a recent court case, which resulted in a guilty plea and sentencing of a 54-year-old man.

The man, charged with making numerous intimate visual recordings of several victims over a five-year period, was sentenced on 9 October to 10.5 months home detention and ordered to pay $3000 emotional harm payment to each of the victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Nicholas Leigh says Police were able to hold this serious offending to account largely thanks to the help of the victims.

“The bravery of the women who came forward to assist in the prosecution of this offender cannot be overstated."

“While we are pleased with the guilty plea and sentencing in this instance, we are also mindful that offending around intimate visual recordings, blackmail and sextortion continues to be rife around the country."

“We often see younger victims being coerced into sharing photos or videos of themselves, their school friends or their family."

"In time, these images can be used by offenders as blackmail with threats to post online, or share them with people close to the victim.”

Leigh urges parents and caregivers to discuss online safety with young people, and the importance of reporting any online offending.

“It pays to be vigilant with people you don’t know – whether that’s meeting online or in person."

“Save any online chat, and immediately take screenshots."

"This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.”

To report this type of offending, please contact Police on 105, or an online report through Netsafe at netsafe.org.nz/report.