Reality star Stephen Bear's sentencing for his revenge porn trial has been delayed after a judge has granted him time to undergo a psychiatric report.
The ex-Big Brother winner, 32, was accused of recording himself having sex with Love Island star ex-girlfriend Georgia Harrison, 27, at his home in August 2020 and sharing the CCTV video on his OnlyFans account without her consent.
He was tried at Chelmsford Crown Court in December 2020, where he was found guilty of voyeurism by a majority verdict and guilty to two counts of disclosing private sexual photographs and films with intent to cause distress by a unanimous verdict.
The star was due to be sentenced on January 31 but according to Essex Live in a hearing today, his defence barrister Gemma Rose made an application to adjourn the hearing until the beginning of March.
His lawyer argued Stephen should undergo a psychiatric assessment as those who have assessed him so far were "unable to formally diagnose" and that it would be "beneficial" to the court for a full assessment to be done.
She said: "The sentence should be adjourned for the wait to prepare this report. I realise the delay will cause stress and anxiety to all those involved in the proceedings, but it's in my submission the court have all the evidence available before it.
She told the court: "The crown have cited Mr Bear's behaviour at trial and I believe a psychiatric report will provide some context."
The star faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both.
Stephen – who is currently out on bail – made further headlines after showing up to court for his trial every day in a rented Rolls Royce, with increasingly lavish outfits including a full suit, fur coats, cane and cigars.
During the trial, prosecutor Jacqueline Carey KC told the court that Stephen had “profited financially” from the footage he shared.
He told the court at the time: "My barrister said not to but it's nothing bad. In my opinion from the beginning it was never a fair trial, what the press were saying about me…
“I was fighting a losing battle and it is what it is.”
Upon hearing this, Judge Christopher Morgan told Stephen: “Thank you for that observation.”
In a statement released via Essex Police after Stephen was found guilty, Love Island and TOWIE star Georgia said: “The last two years have been absolute hell and this verdict will allow me to start to put the pain I have suffered in the past and start embracing the future."
The court granted the application for Stephen to undergo psychological evaluation and sentencing will now take place on Friday 3 March 2023.
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