Magistrate Ian Von Einem’s comments came as he sentenced Josh Turner, creator of the Benders root rate” page that was set up to allow people to rate the performance of their sexual partners.

The site was overwhelmed by comments, many explicit and degrading, mentioning people as young as 13 by their full names.

Mr Von Einem said he was compelled to use Turner’s case to send a message to those who might be minded to set up similar sites.

“The penalty on this charge (using a carriage service to offend) can be two or three years’ jail,” he said.

“The message has to be sent that anyone who is going to set up these kind of pages is looking at a jail term. People are considerably shocked and embarrassed by this, people have suffered.

“How would people feel if their sexual performance was judged by someone who had a grudge against them?

“The sheer embarrassment.”

Mr Von Einem admitted he was not savvy with Facebook but said his eyes had been opened by the case and he was particularly concerned by the fact there were sites like “root rate” that operated across the state, indeed around the world.

Because of this, he said, he had to set a wider example.

“People are being put on notice that if they do make sites like this they will be put in jail,” he said.

“If we don’t take a strong stand against this in court then people will think they can get away with it.

“They think it’s a bit of fun but it’s not a bit of fun, it’s abhorrent.”

The case is also the first time a charge of using an online information service to publish objectionable material has been brought before a Victorian court.

The charge could have major implications for people who set up similar sites across the state.