Georgia Harrison praised for ‘bravery and determination’ following Stephen Bear sentencing
Topics: Celebrity, News, Georgia Harrison
Claire Reid
Featured Image Credit: @georgialouiseharrison/Instagram/PA / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Celebrity, News, Georgia Harrison
Georgia Harrison has been commended for her ‘bravery and determination’ following the sentencing of Stephen Bear.
Bear, 33, was sentenced to 21 months in jail at Chelmsford Crown Court earlier today (Friday 3 March), after sharing a private video of himself and ex-girlfriend Harrison having sex on his OnlyFans account.
Prosecutor Jacqueline Carey KC, prosecuting, told an earlier trial that Harrison and Bear had consensual sex at his home in Loughton, Essex, and were captured on CCTV.
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Carey said Harrison, who bravely waived her right to anonymity, was unaware they were being recorded.
The court heard, that when Bear showed Harrison the footage, she told him to ‘never to send’ it to anyone and ‘made it plain how upset she would be if he did’.
Bear was found guilty in December last year, with Harrison saying at the time: “I hope me taking a stand gives other men and women who have fallen victim to revenge porn the courage to seek justice and most importantly show them that they have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”
And today, following the conclusion of the trial, the former TOWIE star has been praised for her ‘’bravery’ throughout the entire case.
Hannah von Dadelszen, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS East of England said: “I want to commend Georgia Harrison for the bravery and determination she has shown throughout this case.
“By contrast, Stephen Bear showed a complete lack of remorse by never accepting responsibility for his abusive behaviour, even going so far as to place the blame on Ms Harrison.
“Although she lives a public life, Georgia Harrison has the right to privacy. But that was taken away by Bear to make money in the most egregious way.
“Whether or not sex is consensual, it is a crime to share or threaten to share sexual images without consent to cause distress. This is a serious offence which has a lifelong impact on victims.
"Those like Bear who use devices to share photos or videos or threaten to do so can expect to be prosecuted.
“We want to encourage victims to come forward, safe in the knowledge they will have lifelong anonymity and can have special measures put in place when appearing in court, like giving evidence from behind a screen.”
As well as 21 months in prison, Bear was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register and will be subject to notification requirements for 10 years.
He was also made subject to a restraining order not to contact Harrison for five years.