Man posted pictures and video from court online

a woman was giving evidence on screen when Wilson began recording and taking photos on his phone from the back of the courtroom. He posted the footage of the woman to Facebook.

In explanation, Wilson said he did not care, the summary said.

Wilson had been in custody for 31⁄2 weeks since police were made aware of the post. He appeared in the Blenheim District Court via audiovisual link on Monday, where he pleaded guilty and was sentenced on a charge of causing harm by posting digital communication.

Defence lawyer John Holdaway said Wilson was a young man with no previous convictions, who had no concept or idea of what he was doing.

A police prosecutor said the offence was significant and ‘‘especially grievous’’, given that the complainant was giving evidence from a previous court matter.

Judge David Ruth said Wilson could not argue that it was a ‘‘kneejerk’’ reaction, as the offence took some premeditation, ‘‘not just to take the footage but to upload it’’. ‘‘The victim in this matter is very upset, and I can understand why. She was concerned that people had seen it. She was nervous. She was worried what people might think about her.’’

The judge sentenced Wilson to 200 hours of community work.

‘‘If you fail to carry out this sentence, then I would see probation to review that sentence,’’ he told Wilson.

‘‘If you come back in front of me under those circumstances, you will be sent to prison.’’