Stephen Bear, a former reality TV star known for winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 and appearing on shows like Ex On The Beach, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for committing sexual offences involving the non-consensual recording and distribution of a private sex video featuring his ex-girlfriend, Georgia Harrison.
The incident occurred on 2 August 2020, when Bear and Harrison, who is a 28-year-old social media personality and former cast member of The Only Way Is Essex and Love Island, engaged in consensual sex in Bear's garden in Loughton, Essex. Unbeknownst to Harrison, the encounter was captured on CCTV cameras installed in the garden. According to Jacqueline Carey KC, the prosecutor at Chelmsford Crown Court, Harrison explicitly told Bear 'never to send' the footage to anyone and made it plain how upset she would be if he did. Despite this, Bear sent the video to someone via WhatsApp on the same day and later uploaded it to his OnlyFans website, either directly or through an associate, where it was made available for paying subscribers, allowing him to profit financially from the exploitation.
Harrison discovered the video was circulating online later that year, leading to significant personal and professional distress. In a statement read to the court, she expressed her revulsion, stating, 'It makes me sick to think so many people have watched it,' and noted that her earnings had 'dropped dramatically compared with before' due to lost contracts. She waived her right to anonymity to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with other victims of revenge porn.
Bear denied the charges of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress but was found guilty following a trial. During sentencing on Friday at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge Christopher Morgan highlighted Bear's intent to 'exploit the economic value of the recording,' noting the 'enhanced economic value' due to Harrison's fame as a reality TV and social media personality. The judge emphasised the 'extensive humiliation and embarrassment' caused to Harrison. Bear arrived at court in an ostentatious manner, in a chauffeur-driven white Rolls-Royce wearing a black fur jacket and sunglasses, accompanied by his girlfriend Jessica Smith, which the prosecutor described as a 'compelling indication the defendant shows no remorse.'
In mitigation, Gemma Rose, Bear's defence counsel, mentioned his previous good character and diagnoses of ADHD and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder, stating he wished for a fresh start in roofing. However, the court imposed a 21-month custodial sentence, ordered Bear to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register with notification requirements for 10 years, and issued a five-year restraining order prohibiting contact with Harrison. Bear's behaviour in court was defiant; he sang 'Lady In Red' upon arrival, requested selfies, claimed the trial was unfair, and waved goodbye from the dock saying, 'Have a good evening. Enjoy the weekend everyone.'
Following the sentencing, Harrison spoke outside court, expressing relief: '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.' She hoped the case would deter others from similar crimes and provide justice for victims. This case, reported by The Independent, underscores the legal consequences of revenge porn under UK law, with Bear's actions classified as serious sexual offences.