When trusted friendships turn into digital betrayal, the consequences can be devastating. For Hannah Grundy, the nightmare of AI-generated explicit images shared without her consent became a powerful catalyst for legal change, and justice.

Case Summary: Hannah Grundy 

Hannah Grundy, a Sydney woman, discovered that a former friend of over a decade, Andrew “Andy” Hayler, had used artificial intelligence to create explicit deepfake images of her and distributed them online. Despite initial hurdles with law enforcement, Hannah, supported by O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors and criminal lawyer Sidnie Sarang, successfully pursued justice.

Hayler was ultimately convicted and sentenced to nine years in prison for offenses involving 26 women over two years, sparking significant legal and public debate about technology-facilitated abuse.

Watch Sidnie Sarang in Betrayal. 

Hannah Grundy Case Details

Hannah’s ordeal began when she learned that explicit images circulating online, depicting her in sexual scenarios, had been fabricated using AI technology. The perpetrator, Andy Hayler, had been a trusted friend for more than ten years, deepening the emotional toll of the crime.

The betrayal left Hannah feeling violated and powerless. Initially, police were uncertain how to handle AI-generated material, given gaps in existing laws. However, with the unwavering support of our criminal lawyer Sidnie Sarang, Hannah persisted in seeking justice.

Investigations revealed Hayler’s extensive offending against 26 women over two years, all involving the creation and distribution of AI-generated explicit content without consent. The prosecution ultimately secured a conviction on multiple charges, leading to Hayler’s nine-year prison sentence.

This case came at a critical time, as Australia grappled with the legal implications of AI-facilitated image-based abuse. The public and legal community recognised that existing laws needed to evolve to protect individuals like Hannah.

Legal Implications and Reform

In response to cases like Hannah’s, the Australian government introduced the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024. Under this new law:

• It is an offence to share sexually explicit images or videos depicting an adult without consent via a carriage service (including social media and messaging apps).

• The law applies regardless of whether the content is AI-altered or genuine.

• Offenders can face up to six years in prison under the new provisions.

This legislation represents a critical step in safeguarding individuals from technology-driven abuse.

Broader Impact and AI Regulation after Hannah Grundy case

Hannah’s case also prompted discussions beyond criminal law. The NSW Supreme Court recently introduced an AI Practice Note, limiting the use of AI-generated content in legal documents like affidavits, witness statements, and expert reports. This aims to maintain the integrity of legal proceedings and prevent false or manipulated evidence.

Globally, the European Union’s AI Act and the NSW AI Assessment Framework highlight the international momentum toward regulating AI to prevent harm, including misuse for deepfake creation.

Outcome of Hannah Grundy’s case 

Thanks to Hannah’s courage and the skilled representation from O’Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, Andy Hayler was sentenced to nine years in prison. Beyond the individual victory, Hannah’s case has driven significant progress in legal reforms, raising public awareness and inspiring changes to protect future victims.

Need a lawyer for Digital Abuse?

If you or someone you know has been targeted by deepfake images, online harassment, or technology-facilitated abuse, don’t suffer in silence.

Enquire online or call O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors on (02) 9261 4281. We can also set up a free appointment with the civil lawyers in our Sydney office.

We normally change our client’s details in our case studies to protect their privacy, but in this matter we had permission to share their details.