Australian faces trial for calling ex-girlfriend ‘marriage scammer’ on Facebook

 

A smartphone user shows the Facebook application on his phone in the central Bosnian town of Zenica, in this photo illustration, May 2, 2013. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Files

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An Australian is facing trial after allegedly insulting his ex-girlfriend by posting what prosecutors are calling ‘ridicule’ on Facebook.

The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has found sufficient cause to indict Martyn Reid on charges of violating Republic Act 10175 (the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).

Bail was recommended at 14,000 pesos against the suspect – prosecutors in the case attacked the integrity and character of Reid after he accused  his ex-girlfriend of being a “marriage scammer”.

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Reid’s post on Facebook was on March 16, 2014 – prosecutors say the post exposed the victim to public ridicule and mockery.

“The libellous tirades by respondent clearly caused dishonour to the complainant,” prosecutors said.

The case stems from the complaint filed against Reid by the ex-girlfriend after he gave her several expensive gifts when they were still in a relationship – those gifts included an engagement ring, an Iphone, handbags, shoes and cash.

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The ex-girlfriend said she accepted the items because she had feelings for Reid.

However, over time, the relationship turned sour – leaving Reid bragging online about the items he gave her, saying  he is making her accountable for the expensive gifts.

After the young woman ended the relationship with Reid, he began posting defamatory remarks against her on Facebook.

She then decided to file a complaint against Reid before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Reid was given the opportunity to submit his counter-affidavit and refute the allegations against him, but never filed the report.

 

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