Former reality TV star Stephen Bear has been sentenced to another 16 months in prison after breaching a restraining order protecting his former girlfriend, Georgia Harrison.
Bear pleaded guilty to repeatedly violating the order through social media posts about Harrison after his release from prison. The case stems from his previous conviction for voyeurism and for disclosing private sexual photographs and films without Harrison’s consent. (News.com.au)
Why Is Stephen Bear Going Back to Prison?
The restraining order was imposed following Bear’s 2023 conviction and prohibited him from contacting Harrison and from posting about her in ways covered by the order.
After his release, Bear returned to social media and repeatedly made posts concerning Harrison. Prosecutors said the posts amounted to an online campaign against her, including accusations and claims about the circumstances surrounding his conviction. (News.com.au)
The situation became particularly concerning because Harrison was pregnant at the time of some of the posts. A judge described Bear’s conduct as harmful and victim-blaming when sentencing him. (News.com.au)
Stephen Bear’s Previous Prison Sentence
This is not Bear’s first prison sentence connected to Harrison.
In 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison after being convicted of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress. The case involved footage of Bear and Harrison that was recorded without her knowledge and later shared online without her consent. (The Irish Times)
He was also placed on the sex offenders register and given a five-year restraining order protecting Harrison. (The Guardian)
Georgia Harrison Responds
Harrison has previously spoken openly about the impact Bear’s actions had on her and has continued advocating for victims of image-based sexual abuse.
Following his latest imprisonment, she praised Essex Police for taking the matter seriously. She has also emphasized that the consequences of intimate-image abuse can continue long after a criminal conviction. (News.com.au)
Bear’s latest sentence means he is once again behind bars after violating the restrictions that were put in place following his original conviction.
Stephen Bear’s Legal Troubles Continue
The 16-month sentence is separate from additional proceedings involving alleged breaches of the sex offenders register.
Bear has pleaded guilty to multiple register violations, including failures relating to foreign travel and personal documents and financial accounts. Further court proceedings are expected later in August. (The Sun)
For now, his latest 16-month prison sentence stems from his breach of the restraining order involving Georgia Harrison.
The case serves as another reminder that restraining orders are legally enforceable and that violating their terms can lead to additional criminal consequences.
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