Amendments to the Justice (No. 2) Bill approved this week add new provisions to the proposed law, including ones which relate to the disclosure of private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.

A person guilty of the proposed new offence would be liable to a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.

Another amendment increases the maximum sentence handed down in the Crown Court for animal cruelty crimes from two years to five.

The maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to animals or causing and attending an animal fight will double to 12 months’ imprisonment instead of six.

The maximum fine on conviction will increase from £5,000 to £20,000.

The amended bill will now go to the further consideration stage.