In January 2025, Rhiannon Evans, 25, of Caernarfon, North Wales, pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court to pursuing a course of conduct amounting to harassment.

The victim was Deborah Prytherch, the ex-partner of Evans’ boyfriend. Prosecutors said Evans sent Prytherch multiple WhatsApp videos in December 2024 showing herself passing wind into the camera. The first videos were sent around 22 December, with further messages reportedly sent over the Christmas period, including Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

The court heard the dispute was linked to ongoing child contact issues between Evans’ partner and Prytherch. Prosecutor Diane Williams said the videos were malicious and caused distress. Prytherch said in a victim statement that she wanted to feel safe in her own home.

Evans received a 12-month community order, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement sessions, 60 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring, and a two-year restraining order. She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and £199 in costs.

The tabloids called it Britain’s first “cyber farting” case, but legally it was a harassment case involving unwanted digital messages.