Bear has been sentenced to 21 months in prison (credit: Essex Police)
The 33-year-old from Loughton appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today (Friday, 3 March) and was sentenced after being found guilty of voyeurism, disclosing private sexual images without consent and breach of bail conditions.
His ex-girlfriend, Love Island’s Georgia Harrison, who waived her right to anonymity, was unaware that Bear had recorded them both having sex, using a CCTV camera which had been set up in his garden.
The video then began to appear on multiple sites including Only Fans.
Police started an investigation in December 2020 when Harrison contacted Essex Police.
Bear was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Friday, 15 January 2021, on suspicion of disclosing private sexual images without consent as well as voyeurism and was later charged with both offences.
In February 2022, Bear was seen to be discussing the case on social media, breaching his court bail conditions so he was further arrested and later charged.
He appeared in court on Tuesday, 13 December where he was found guilty.
Following today’s sentencing, Harrison read a statement outside court.
She said: “It changed my life. My only option was to go to the police and thank god I did.
“Two years of hard work from Essex Police and I really do feel like I’ve got my justice.”
Harrison spoke outside court today. (credit:Essex Police)
Essex Police Detective Constable, Brian Sitch said “What Bear did was inexcusable and his actions along with his behaviour throughout the investigation and trial, demonstrated a complete lack of regard for Georgia Harrison’s feelings.
“This young woman stood in a court room, in front of strangers and went over the most personal details of her private life. She had to sit her family down and explain to them that this video had been leaked.
“This was all because Stephen Bear thought he could secretly film his former partner and he thought he could get away with appalling crimes in Essex.
“Today he has been proved wrong thanks to relentless work to bring him to justice, and thanks to Georgia Harrison’s immense bravery.”
“Georgia has taken the silver lining from this huge cloud, that has been hanging over her for over two years and she now wants to help other victims. I can’t commend her enough for her bravery and her patience.”
Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and chair of the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board, Jane Gardner said:
“Georgia has been extremely brave throughout this investigation and has trusted our Essex Police officers, who have done great work in handling the case. I cannot pretend to know how hard this must have been for her, but I know that we all care deeply about getting justice for her.
“This had been one of the highest profile revenge porn convictions in the UK and I hope cases like this will not only deter people from committing this crime, but also help people come forward and report these offences.
“I want to be absolutely clear, in Essex, we will not tolerate male violence, abuse and misogyny against women and girls in any form.”
Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.
They’re independent from the police and provide support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.
Tags: Essex Police, Loughton, Epping, Essex
