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WhatsApp image sender becomes first convicted cyber-flasher | WhatsApp image sender becomes first convicted cyber-flasher |
(2 months later) | |
The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day | The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day |
The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day | The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day |
A registered sex offender has become the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing. | A registered sex offender has become the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of cyber-flashing. |
Nicholas Hawkes, 39, of Basildon, Essex, sent unsolicited photos of his erect penis to a 15-year-old girl and a woman on Friday. | Nicholas Hawkes, 39, of Basildon, Essex, sent unsolicited photos of his erect penis to a 15-year-old girl and a woman on Friday. |
The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day. | The woman took screenshots of the image on WhatsApp and reported Hawkes to Essex Police the same day. |
Hawkes admitted two charges when he appeared before magistrates in Southend earlier. | Hawkes admitted two charges when he appeared before magistrates in Southend earlier. |
'A grotesque crime' | 'A grotesque crime' |
He is the first person to be convicted of the new offence of cyber-flashing, which was brought in under the Online Safety Act and came into effect on 31 January. | He is the first person to be convicted of the new offence of cyber-flashing, which was brought in under the Online Safety Act and came into effect on 31 January. |
After pleading guilty to two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation, he was remanded in custody until 11 March, when he will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court. | After pleading guilty to two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation, he was remanded in custody until 11 March, when he will be sentenced at Basildon Crown Court. |
Sefer Mani, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the East of England, said: "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. | Sefer Mani, of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the East of England, said: "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. | "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." | "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." |
Hawkes is a registered sex offender until November 2033 after he was convicted and given a community order for sexual activity with a child under 16 and exposure last year, at Basildon Crown Court, the CPS said. | Hawkes is a registered sex offender until November 2033 after he was convicted and given a community order for sexual activity with a child under 16 and exposure last year, at Basildon Crown Court, the CPS said. |
He will also be sentenced for breaching the order when he is sentenced in March. | He will also be sentenced for breaching the order when he is sentenced in March. |
Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 | Follow East of England news on Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk, external or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 |
Related topics | |
Basildon | Basildon |
Southend-on-Sea | Southend-on-Sea |