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| WhatsApp image sender becomes first convicted cyber-flasher | WhatsApp image sender becomes first convicted cyber-flasher |
| (32 minutes 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 |
| 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. | |
| 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, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 | Follow East of England news on Facebook, Instagram and X. Got a story? Email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830 |
| Related Topics | Related Topics |
| Basildon | Basildon |
| Southend-on-Sea | Southend-on-Sea |