A 'SHAMEFUL' young Taunton man who was jailed for so-called 'revenge porn' offences tried to appeal his sentence.

Shane Burford, 22, of Crowcombe Road was sentenced to eight months in prison last year after he disclosed private sexual photographs of his on off girlfriend.

He also admitted assault by beating, for which he was sentenced to 21 days prison (concurrent) and received a restraining order.

He was jailed for 21 days (concurrent) after pleading guilty to damaging a car.

On Friday February 12, Shane appealed his sentence at Taunton Crown Court.

The court heard how on August 24 2015, Burford posted topless photos of his ex, who was pregnant with their child, on his Whatsapp profile picture.

Prosecuting Nick O'Brien said: "On September 7 2015, the baby was born.

"The couple were reunited for a few weeks but after an argument, Burford kept the child and refused to let his girlfriend see him.

"Burford's attitude has always been one of dominance."

Mr O'Brien described how Burford, who has previously been to court 24 times for 42 different offences, then sent naked photos of the girl to her Facebook account, which she did not know he had taken.

He told the court: "On Sunday September 25, Burford again changed his Whatsapp picture to a topless photo of his ex, which caused her a lot of distress.

"One of the contacts that could see it was her brother.

"He then changed it to one in her underwear and refused to take it down.

"On September 28, he did remove it but police still think the images are on the phone.

"He also caused criminal damage by jumping on the bonnet of her car."

On January 6, Burford pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates' Courts

He received four months (consecutive to each other) for each of two charges of disclosing a private sexual photo or film without the consent of the person who appeared in the images.

Defending Rebecca Bradbury told the court at the appeal how Burford has a lot of bridge building to do.

She said: "The child is now six months old and his mother is finding it distressing that she is a single mum and Burford is not around to help her.

"She is still writing to him in custody.

"Burford's release date is March 29 and he is keen to secure an early release because he wants to help Jade with the baby."

Sentencing Recorder Richard Stead said that the eight month sentence is entirely justified and the appeal was refused.

Burford was ordered to pay £250 court costs.

Recorder Stead said: "The appeal is dismissed and I don't think it should be messed around.

"You have caused a lot of upset and distress and have a shameful criminal past."