Disgraced reality TV star Stephen Bear has been jailed again after breaching his requirements as a sex offender. The 36-year-old took a trip to Brazil where he taunted the police that they “can’t catch him”, a court heard today. The Celebrity Big Brother 2016 winner was sentenced to 24 weeks’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to five counts of failing to comply with the sex offenders’ register notification requirements.
Background and Previous Sentence
Bear appeared in custody for his sentencing after he was jailed last week at Chelmsford Crown Court for 16 months for breaching a restraining order by posting on social media about his ex Georgia Harrison. Bear was placed on the sex offender's register when he was jailed in 2023 for sharing a private sex tape of Love Island star Ms Harrison on his OnlyFans website.
Details of the Breach
Thames Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday that Bear was obligated following his conviction to tell authorities about any foreign travel. His unauthorised trip to Brazil was discovered when he made a series of social media posts from a beach. Prosecutor Maisa Mamman told the court that the reality TV star had posted videos on social media showing him on a beach in Brazil and saying “the police will not be able to catch” him. She added: “He posted on social media videos essentially bragging he was in Brazil.”
The court heard that Bear had not informed police about a trip to Brazil last year and then failed to tell officers within three days that he had returned to the UK. He also did not flag that he had acquired a new passport and two bank cards during his trip.
Court Proceedings and Defence
Bear spoke to confirm his personal details, telling the court his usual address is Walthamstow, east London, but he is currently staying “in Chelmsford”, referring to the prison sentence he was given last week. In his defence, the court heard Bear was not aware of the restrictions at the time and is now clear about what the requirements demand.
Deputy district judge Claire Pithie told Bear the sentence takes immediate effect: “You need to work on your strategies. Otherwise you will keep ending up finding yourself in difficult situations. You have a baby on the way.” As he walked from the dock, Bear told the judge: “Thank you, have a good day”.
