Fart selfies used to harass woman’s partner’s ex

A woman who sent videos of herself passing wind in a series of harassing messages to her boyfriend’s ex-partner has been given a community order.

Shopworker Rhiannon Evans, 25, of Mountain Street in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, pleaded guilty to pursuing a course of conduct amounting to the harassment.

Prosecutors told magistrates in the town how in Evans’ first “inappropriate” video she “proceeds to pass gas by placing the camera on her bottom and passing the gas”.

She sent three more fart selfies to Deborah Prytherch via WhatsApp on 22 December, the court heard, and four more in the following days showing “Miss Evans passing wind, her face smiling at the camera”, magistrates heard.

Evans was warned after police caught wind of the issue, but she sent further messages on Boxing and New Year’s Day.

Evans was arrested at her home, admitted to sending the videos and was given a 12-month community order and fines.

“She suggested she wanted to send videos because she felt her partner was being treated unfairly,” said prosecutor Diane Williams.

“It was purely malicious.

“She was smirking throughout, found it hilarious, but the victim didn’t.”

Ms Prytherch said in a statement: “I would like to feel safe in my home.”

Evans had a difficult upbringing, the court was told, and was said to have mental health problems.

A probation officer said she had been in a relationship for two years and there was “bad blood” with her boyfriend’s ex-partner.

Harriet Gorst, defending, said: “There are some issues going on between Miss Evans’ partner and his ex-partner with regard to child contact.

“At the time she sent these videos she had some drinks and she sent them, understanding now this has caused the victim some distress.

“She sent them without malicious intent.”

Magistrates imposed 15 rehabilitation sessions, 60 days alcohol abstinence monitoring and a two-year restraining order against contacting the victim.

Evans must pay £100 compensation and £199 costs.