Basildon sex offender to be sentenced after England and Wales first 'Cyber Flashing conviction'
Cyber-flashing became an offence on January 31st this year as part of the Online Safety Act
A man from Essex is to be sentenced for 'cyber flashing' , after becoming what's claimed to be the first convicted of the offence in England and Wales.
39-year-old Nicholas Hawkes, from Basildon, sent unsolicited photos to a 15-year-old girl and a woman on February 9th.
The CPS have called the crime "grotesque".
The woman took screenshots on WhatsApp of the image from Hawkes, and reported him to Essex Police.
He admitted to two counts of sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation at Southend Magistrates' Court, CPS said.
After being convicted at a hearing, he was remanded in custody and will be sentenced today at Basildon Crown Court.
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 years old and exposure last year at Basildon Crown Court, the CPS said.
He will also be sentenced for breaching the order.
Cyber-flashing became an offence on January 31st this year as part of the Online Safety Act.