A MAN has appeared in court charged with sending explicit pictures and a video of his former girlfriend to her mother.

Matthew Fitzgerald is alleged to have sent the images along with messages about his ex-partner over the social media site Facebook.

The 24-year-old entered no plea to a charge of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress - commonly known as revenge porn - when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.

Philip Pearson, prosecuting, said: “There was a relationship for about six months which terminated in May.

“After that period, he contacted her mother on Facebook and sent her a picture of her daughter where she was naked accompanied by abusive comments.

“He sent a video as well. It has caused a great deal of distress to the victim and her mother as well.

“She confirmed the photographs had been taken during the relationship but never accepted they could be shared on social media.

“She has been left horrified and embarrassed her mother has viewed the material.

“Her mother felt very upset.

“She has had difficulty sleeping.”

When he sent the pictures, Fitzgerald is also said to have sent threats to damage the victim’s property and that he hoped she died.

Mr Pearson told the court after Fitzgerald was arrested he told police he “was not deleting anything” and told officers: “It was just one night I sent the stuff.”

Both Mr Pearson and defence solicitor Levent Kemal said the matter should be dealt with at the crown court.

Magistrates agreed and declined jurisdiction of the case.

Fitzgerald, of St Mary’s Road, Great Bentley, was granted bail until his next appearance at Ipswich Crown Court on August 15.

Chairman of the bench Susan Greenwood warned him he would be committing a serious offence if he did not show for his hearing.

She said: “We have declined jurisdiction of the case.

“Until August 14 you will be on conditional bail and you must not contact any of the prosecution witnesses in the case.

“You know who they are.

“If you breach that condition you will be brought back to court and you can then be held in custody until your scheduled court appearance.

“If you commit any offence while on bail your sentence will be more severe.”