31 makes it an offense to send unsolicited sexual images by social media, dating apps, or technologies such as Bluetooth or Airdrop.

Hawkes, who borrowed his father's phone to send the photos, admitted to sending the images with intent to cause alarm, distress, or humiliation. This was not his first offense, as he was previously convicted of exposure and sexual activity with a child under 16. Despite his defense lawyer's argument that his actions were a result of post-traumatic stress from a past kidnapping incident, Judge Samantha Leigh rejected this, stating that he had a "warped view of himself and his sexual desires."

Deputy Chief Hannah von Dadelszen of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the seriousness of cyber-flashing, stating that it often leaves a lasting impact on victims. She highlighted the importance of holding offenders accountable, whether their crimes are committed online or in person.

The case of Nicholas Hawkes serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of cyber-flashing and the importance of enforcing laws to protect individuals from such harmful and invasive behavior.