uknip247 
In a significant development at Chelmsford Crown Court today, Stephen Bear has been ordered to pay a Confiscation Order totalling £22,305, aimed at retrieving the illicit gains he amassed from publishing explicit content to a subscription site without the consent of those involved.
The court also ruled that a portion of the funds, amounting to £5,000, should be allocated for compensation to the victim, Georgia Harrison. This restitution will be drawn from any monies paid towards the Confiscation Order.
Bear’s conviction stems from charges of voyeurism and two counts of disclosing a private sexual film, for which he was found guilty on 14 December 2022. Subsequently, on 3 March 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment.
Specialist Proceeds of Crime lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have diligently worked to recover the ill-gotten gains accumulated by Bear, ensuring that he does not financially benefit from his criminal activities. Despite Bear’s attempts to conceal his earnings and assets, the court determined that he directly benefited from £22,305.
Under the terms of the Confiscation Order, Bear must settle the specified amount within three months. Failure to comply will result in an additional nine-month prison sentence, to be served consecutively with his existing term. Furthermore, the Proceeds of Crime team will pursue any future earnings of Bear until the full amount is repaid. Even if Bear serves the default sentence, the Confiscation Order remains enforceable against his assets until fully satisfied.
Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, emphasized Bear’s lack of remorse throughout the proceedings and praised the collaborative efforts of the CPS Proceeds of Crime team and Essex Police financial investigators in proving Bear’s financial gains. Foster reaffirmed the CPS’s commitment to pursuing proceedings following conviction, ensuring that offenders like Bear do not profit from their actions.
Over the past five years, the CPS has successfully recovered over £480 million from Confiscation Orders, preventing convicted criminals from benefiting from their wrongdoing. Notably, £105 million of this amount has been returned to victims of crime as compensation.
The case underscores the CPS’s dedication to pursuing justice and providing restitution to victims, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the interests of the public.
