An Italian man was jailed for more than two years for putting pornographic pictures of his ex-girlfriend on the Internet and sending them out in more than 15,000 emails.

The 32-year-old man had created a Web site that appeared to show his ex-girlfriend offering sexual favours and erotic games, with her phone number also on display.

The man, who also sent threatening text messages to the woman and her parents, was accused of aggravated defamation, threatening and violence.

In its ruling, the Milan court said the man had publicised photos and data that should have remained private, and done so without his ex-girlfriend's consent.

The court sentenced him to 2 years and 4 months in jail.