Stephen Bear imprisoned for image-based abuse

The Abuse team discuss the recent sentencing of Stephen Bear received for his convictions in relation to image-based abuse and voyeurism.

Danielle Vincent, Senior Associate and Hannah Hodgson, Paralegal in the Abuse team at Hugh James discuss specifically how going forward this case will act as a warning to others sending a clear message, and also provide validation to other victims of image-based abuse that they will be taken seriously, and perpetrators dealt with in accordance with the law.

The difficulties that arise around image-based abuse are also explored, as well as analysing just how far it can impact a victim beyond the mental and emotional impact, discussing specifically Georgia Harrison’s new documentary ‘Georgia v Bear’ on ITV.

Stephen Bear was convicted for:

• Voyeurism, contrary to section 67(3) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. (02/08/2020). This relates to CCTV filming.
• Disclosing private sexual photograph or film, contrary to Section 33(1) Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (02/08/2020). This relates to sending the video via WhatsApp.
• Disclosing private sexual photograph or film, contrary to Section 33(1) Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (08/11/2020). This relates to the video being posted on OnlyFans.
• The act of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress – referred to as ‘revenge porn’ – has been illegal in England and Wales since 2015. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 amended legislation in June 2021 to extend the existing offence to include the specific act of threatening to disclose this type of material. (Reality TV star Stephen Bear jailed for posting ‘revenge porn’ | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)