In a landmark case, the Essex Police team responsible for managing sexual and violent offenders has achieved the country’s first conviction for a ‘cyber-flashing’ offence. Nicholas Hawkes, 39, of Curling Tye, Basildon, admitted to charges related to sending unsolicited explicit images when he appeared at Southend Magistrates Court on Monday, 12 February.
Hawkes pleaded guilty to two counts of sending photographs or films of genitals with the intent to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. The charges came following an investigation initiated on Friday, 9 February, after reports were made to Essex Police about a woman and a 15-year-old girl receiving explicit images via Whatsapp.
Following his arrest, Hawkes faced not only charges for cyber-flashing but also for breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was remanded into custody pending his sentencing at Basildon Crown Court on 11 March.
Detective Chief Inspector James Gray commented on the swift action taken by the Crime and Public Protection team to secure this conviction and address the threat posed by Hawkes:
“This investigation moved quickly and our officers put hours of work into securing this result and getting a dangerous individual off the streets. Technology is developing, and unfortunately, this means that new offences are emerging alongside this. However, as these newer offences are identified, we are adapting and learning about how to investigate these and protect vulnerable people.”
DCI Gray further elaborated on the nature of cyber-flashing, emphasizing its impact on victims:
“Whether virtually or physically, this is an intrusive crime which is extremely distressing for victims. Cyber-flashing and revenge porn are relatively new sexual offences, and victims are entitled to lifelong anonymity under the Sexual Offences Act. Anyone out there who thinks it’s acceptable to send these unsolicited photos, it’s not and you are committing a criminal offence.”
This conviction marks a significant step forward in addressing emerging digital crimes and underscores Essex Police’s commitment to adapting their investigative approaches to protect the community from new forms of sexual harassment.
source: Essex Police
