Family Solicitors

The shocking case of TV reality star Stephen Bear and his eventual ‘revenge porn’ conviction has set a benchmark for further prosecutions and provided hope for other victims. Bear was jailed for 21 months earlier this month after being found guilty of two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. In addition, he was also found guilty of one count of voyeurism after profiting from posting intimate images of his former girlfriend Georgia Harrison, without her consent. Even more disturbing revelations were shared by Harrison in a documentary broadcast on ITV on Monday night, where she described living in fear that more videos would be published. Bear had shared footage of the couple, captured unknowingly to Harrison on his CCTV system, with his friends via WhatsApp before posting the video online on adult site Only Fans, where fans could purchase it for money. Whilst the sex was consensual, the recording was not. Georgia Harrison (also a reality TV star) bravely waived her right to anonymity, stating that she wanted to use her experience to raise awareness for other victims of revenge porn. Harrison has spoken about the feelings of humiliation and despair, in addition to the professional, financial and personal effect Bear’s actions have had. The act of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress has been illegal since 2015. Changes made under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 extended the offence to include the act of threatening to disclose this type of material. Whilst campaigners are hopeful that this change will encourage victims to report their experiences to the police at the earliest opportunity, there are also calls for improved police training on this topic. Charities such as Revenge Porn Helpline state that there is not enough support for victims throughout proceedings. The nature of the internet means that information shared stays out there forever. In Harrison’s case, whilst Bear’s Only Fans page was suspended, she stated she received evidence that the video was hosted on other platforms. Stephen Bear’s conviction is undeniably a significant step in the battle to have revenge porn recognised as a serious offence. With his trial and subsequent jailing serving as a public demonstration to both perpetrators and victims, there is hope that this case will set a precedent for other victims of this horrific crime. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised by this article, please contact our expert family and childcare team for advice. Your call will be treated in the sensitively and in the strictest confidence. Our family department is ranked and recommended in the prestigious Legal 500 guide for the quality of solicitors as well as its diversity of experience across the firm. About the author: Lily Grimshaw is a dedicated caseworker in the family and childcare department of Duncan Lewis Solicitors with expertise in the full range of cases. Lily works under the supervision of family and childcare director and solicitor Meena Kumari, who is a recommended lawyer in the Legal 500 guide. Meena possesses a wealth of experience in complex children cases, especially those with an international element, and in negotiating medium to high net financial settlements for clients in the course of separation, divorce and dissolution of civil partnership. Contact Lily via email at LilyG@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 020 7275 2585. Contact Meena via email meenaku@duncanlewis.com or via telephone on 0192 46 64548.