Lawyers from a St Albans solicitors have warned that new legislation criminalising ‘revenge porn’ is just a first step to combating the problem.

Blavo & Co Solicitors, which is based in Campfield Road, is expecting a surge of enquiries about potential litigation after the new Criminal Justice and Courts Bill became law.

A clause specifically makes it an offence for the first time to share ‘private, sexual images or video of someone without consent and with the intent to cause distress’.

The new law includes posting on the internet, sending texts, email or using messaging platforms, as well as showing someone a physical or electronic image. Offenders face up to two years in prison.

It comes after a several high profile cases of revenge porn and hacking of celebrity pictures, including pop star Rihanna, actress Jennifer Lawrence and singer Tulisa Constostavlos.

Litigation staff at Blavo & Co have welcomed the new law but warned that cases may not unfold in a straightforward way.

Partner Mark Fidler said: "So-called revenge porn is a serious and damaging crime.

"Previously, offenders were prosecuted under the Malicious Communications Act 1998 or the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

"The creation of a specific new offence reflects the rapidly changing online landscape with the increasing use of social media. The intention is also for it to act as a deterrent to warn off potential offenders."

Mr Fidler said that concerns over freedom of expression have already been raised in some quarters, while prosecutors will have to prove that there was intent to cause distress in the sharing of an image.

The new UK revenge porn helpline can be reached on 0845 6000 459.