Stephen Bear, who has appeared in Big Brother and other reality shows, has been convicted for sharing a video of him and his ex partner, Georgia Harrison, having sex online and sentenced to 21 months in prison. The offences for which he was found guilty included two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress.
The verdict and sentencing send out a very clear message to potential perpetrators of this crime, making it abundantly clear that it is serious and causes victims, serious, emotional harm and distress and highlighting the significance of the impact on their lives.
After the sentencing hearing, Georgia said “Today’s sentence is a vindication of what I’ve been put through and sends a clear message that the police and the courts take this matter very seriously; I want to let all other victims of this crime know that I stand in solidarity with them and I have absolutely no regrets on waiving my anonymity” and “I hope that this puts anyone off committing this sort of crime and I hope for anyone else who has been a victim of it [that] it gives them some sort of justice.”
The CPS commended Georgia for her bravery. Whilst Georgia had waived her anonymity, victims are not required to do so, and safeguarding measures can be put in place. It is hoped that more victims will come forward and report crimes of this nature and that it will potentially deter future perpetrators or those threatening to commit such crimes. In some cases, threats of this nature can form part of another form of abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour.
The verdict and the custodial sentence sends out a very clear message that this form of abuse will not be tolerated.
Our specialist family law solicitors are able to advise and assist those who have suffered from domestic abuse of any form and a number of our team have specialist Resolution accreditation in the field of domestic abuse. Should you require advice please contact us on 0161 696 6193 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
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