Sisters Face Legal Consequences for Revenge Plot Against Father's Ex-Mistress
Two sisters posted intimate photos of their father's former mistress on an escort site, causing distress. One sister pleaded guilty to disclosing private photographs, while the other resigned from her police job.
In a case highlighting the serious consequences of revenge-driven actions, two sisters from West Yorkshire, England, are facing legal repercussions for their involvement in a plot against their father's former mistress. The incident, which unfolded in 2022, has led to criminal charges and professional downfall.
Eleanor Brown, 24, from Morley, West Yorkshire, has admitted to disclosing private photographs without consent at Leeds Crown Court. Her sister, Sophie Brown, a former police officer, has already faced professional consequences for her role in the scheme.
The sisters' actions stemmed from their father Geoff Brown's extramarital affair that occurred approximately a decade ago. The family discovered the affair in 2015, leading to a chain of events that culminated in the sisters' revenge plot seven years later.
Eleanor uploaded intimate photos of her father's former mistress to an escort website, along with the phone number of the woman's husband. This act caused significant distress to the victims, with the woman reporting "a deep, sickening feeling of complete panic." The husband's business was also affected by the unwanted calls he received.
The case sheds light on the growing issue of revenge porn and online harassment in the UK. Since 2015, revenge porn has been illegal in England and Wales, with a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. The UK also has strict laws against malicious communications and cyberbullying.
Sophie Brown's involvement in the plot led to her resignation from West Yorkshire Police, the fourth largest police force in England and Wales. A disciplinary hearing in April 2024 resulted in her being banned from policing for life due to gross misconduct.
The sisters' initial plan, as revealed during the disciplinary hearing, was to post the photos on Gumtree, a popular British classifieds website, and advertise sexual services for £5. However, they ultimately chose to use an escort website instead.
"This was a mean and calculated effort to cause distress in an act of revenge."
Eleanor initially denied the charges but changed her plea to guilty before giving evidence in her own defense. Judge Alexander Menary described her admission as coming at the "eleventh hour and 59th minute."
The case highlights the severe consequences of seeking revenge through digital means. It also underscores the importance of ethical conduct, particularly for those in positions of public trust like law enforcement.
As the legal proceedings continue, Eleanor faces a likely prison sentence, with the judge stating it was "almost inevitable." Her sentencing is scheduled for October 2024, marking the culmination of a case that serves as a stark reminder of the legal and personal costs of revenge-driven actions in the digital age.
