MAN WHO SENT LEWD IMAGES OF HIMSELF TO TWO WOMEN HE HAD NEVER MET HAS BEEN GIVEN A 12-MONTH SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE
Throughout his career, Ben Gunnery, who has performed worldwide, targeted women online in November, four months following his conviction for sending explicit content to another woman.He contacted women on the internet and soon after began sending unsolicited images of his genitals.
Gunnery, based in Vauxhall, London, admitted that his motive for sending these images was to cause distress or humiliation.
The material shared included photographs of his erect penis and videos of masturbation.
At Bromley Magistrates' Court, his legal team stated that these offences took place while he was under the influence of drugs, and he felt shame and embarrassment about his actions.
"He's seen a complete devastation of his career.
He can't get work, his reputation is damaged.
He's on benefits," it said.
Addressing Gunnery, Judge Vanessa Lloyd said: "They're deliberate acts.
It's not the drugs speaking, they bring out something in you." "I don't believe you were under the influence on every occasion.
It's you that's doing this, and this isn't the first time.
"You comply with rehabilitation but it doesn't change your behaviour." The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Gunnery's actions were "clearly deliberate".
"This hasn't just happened once, he continues to do it," it said.
Gunnery was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.
If he re-offends, he will go to prison and serve half with the rest on licence.
Remaining on the sex offender's register, he was given a 10-year notification requirement and five-year sexual harm prevention order.
He will not be allowed to have more than one mobile phone and internet device.
He was also ordered to complete drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
"Breaching any of the orders is a one-way ticket to immediate imprisonment.
It's up to you," Lloyd added.
Prosecutor Adrita Ahmed said Gunnery's actions have had a significant impact on his victims.
