Essex man, 39, turns into first to be convicted for cyber-flashing after unsolicited image | UK | News | EUROtoday

A 39-year-old man from Essex is the primary particular person in England or Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing – a brand new offence which is the act of sending unsolicited footage of an individual’s genitals.

It grew to become a prison act on January 31 this yr as a part of the Online Safety Act. Nicholas Hawkes despatched unsolicited pictures of his erect penis to a 15-year-old woman and a girl in response to the CPS.

The girl took screenshots of the picture on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police on February 9. Hawkes admitted to 2 counts of sending {a photograph} or movie of genitals to trigger alarm, misery, or humiliation, at Southend Magistrates’ Court/

He was convicted at Monday’s listening to and was remanded in custody to be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on March 11.

Sefer Mani, from CPS East of England, mentioned: “Cyber-flashing is a grotesque crime and the fact we were able to deliver swift justice for the two victims shows the new law is working.

“Everyone should feel safe wherever they are and not be subjected to receiving unwanted sexual images.

“I urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of cyber-flashing to report it to the police and know that they will be taken seriously and have their identities protected.”

Victims of cyber-flashing and image-based abuse obtain lifelong anonymity below the Sexual Offences Act from the purpose they report the offence.

Hawkes is a registered intercourse offender till November 2033 after he was convicted and given a group order for sexual exercise with a baby below 16 years outdated and publicity final yr at Basildon Crown Court, the CPS mentioned.

He will even be sentenced for breaching the order when he’s sentenced in March.