Stephen Bear sex tape trial: Reality star known for Geordie Shore connections found guilty

Former Celebrity Big Brother Star Stephen Bear, who also came to fame through a high-profile relationship with Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, has today been found guilty in a revenge porn trial connected to a sex tape of him and fellow reality star Georgia Harrison.

The prosecution said that 32-year-old Bear shared a CCTV video online of himself and ex-Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison, selling it for money.

Bear, of Bryony Close in Loughton in Essex, denied voyeurism and two counts of disclosing private, sexual photographs and films. However, he was found guilty of all offences by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court.

The jury returned unanimous verdicts on both disclosing private sexual photos and films with intent to cause distress. For the count of voyeurism, a majority verdict of 10 to two was returned.

The trial heard that Ms Harrison was filmed on CCTV in the garden of Bear in August 2020 - she said she did not know she was being recorded and asked Bear "never to send" the footage when she found out.

Ms Harrison then became aware of the sex tape circulating on WhatsApp and online - the prosecutor saying that Bear uploaded the video "either himself or had it uploaded to OnlyFans and profited financially".

Ms Harrison waived her right to anonymity surrounding the case. Bear told the court that he had deleted the video in August 2020 and not distributed it.

In a statement, Georgia Harrison said: "Bear's behaviour was completely unacceptable and those who choose to commit such crimes should and will be prosecuted. I hope me taking a stand gives other men and women who have fallen victim to revenge porn the courage to seek justice and most importantly show them that they have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

"I have felt ashamed, hurt, violated, even broken at times but today I stand here feeling empowered, grateful and a huge sense of unity with all of those who have reached out to support me throughout this ordeal."

People in the North East may be familiar with Stephen Bear's name, despite the reality star not coming from the region. Bear won the eighteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 after appearances on Shipwrecked and Ex on the Beach.

In February 2017, Bear confirmed his relationship with Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby after months of speculation. The two were quick to share plans for children and a life together, but had split by August 2017. That break-up led to its own court case with Crosby claiming Bear was in debt to her over a joint business venture. A court ruled in the Geordie Shore star's favour after a court order showed Bear failed to turn up for proceedings.

Bear has also publicly dated Lillie Gregg, the ex of Geordie Show star Gaz Beadle.