Nicholas Hawkes has become the first person in England and Wales to be jailed for a cyber-flashing offence. The 39-year-old, from Basildon, Essex, was sentenced to 66 weeks in prison after sending unsolicited photos of his erect penis to a 15-year-old girl and another woman on February 9.
Hawkes, already a convicted sex offender, admitted to two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation during a hearing at Southend Magistrates' Court.
Cyber-flashing, the act of sending unsolicited sexual pictures via social media, dating apps, Bluetooth, or Airdrop, became an offence under the Online Safety Act on January 31. Hawkes was convicted under this act and was also ordered to comply with a 10-year restraining order and a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
This sentencing marks a significant milestone in combating online sexual offences and sends a clear message to offenders. Minister for Technology and the Digital Economy, Saqib Bhatti, emphasized the UK's commitment to making the internet a safer place.
Despite blaming his actions on PTSD and cocaine use, Hawkes' previous convictions include sexual activity with a child under 16 years old and exposure, for which he received a community order. Essex Police Detective Chief Inspector James Gray highlighted the impact of cyber-flashing on victims and reiterated the commitment to investigate all reports of this offence.
The case demonstrates the effectiveness of the new legislation in swiftly addressing online sexual offences. The CPS encourages anyone who has experienced cyber-flashing to report it to the police, assuring them that their identities will be protected.
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