ALISTAIR BELT JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BRADFORD
In a case that has shocked the Bradford community, 60-year-old Alistair Belt has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of disturbing sexual assaults on a young girl.The offences took place when the girl was between the ages of ten and eleven, and the case was brought to light after a thorough investigation and trial at Bradford Crown Court.
According to court proceedings, Belt, who resides on Eversley Drive in the Holme Wood area of Bradford, engaged in multiple acts of sexual molestation against the young girl.
The court heard that he not only physically and emotionally harmed her during these assaults but also used gifts and sweets as a means to silence her, effectively manipulating her into silence through material incentives.
The abuse occurred on three separate occasions, leaving a lasting impact on the victim.
Judge Neil Davey QC presided over the case and highlighted that Belt was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offences.
The judge noted that Belt was a habitual drinker who often consumed alcohol to excess, which may have contributed to his actions.
During the hearing, Belt appeared in the courtroom wearing a striped grey V-neck jumper, sitting quietly and impassively in the dock as the proceedings unfolded.
Prosecutor Patricia Doherty requested that Belt be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which would impose strict restrictions on his future conduct.
The order, which was granted without a time limit, prohibits Belt from making any contact with his victim, having unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16, or working with children in any capacity.
This measure aims to protect potential future victims and prevent any recurrence of similar offences.
Defense barrister Michael Collins emphasized that Belt had no prior criminal record and was considered a man of good character before these allegations.
He stated, “These convictions will have a devastating impact on the rest of his life,” acknowledging the seriousness of the case.
Despite Belt’s claims of innocence and his fight against the charges at trial, he did not receive any credit for a guilty plea, as he chose to contest the allegations.
As part of his sentence, Judge Davey ordered Belt to register as a sex offender with the police for the remainder of his life, a standard requirement for individuals convicted of sexual offences.
The judge also addressed the victim’s initial fear and silence, revealing that the girl was too frightened to disclose the abuse at first, which underscores the trauma inflicted upon her.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Emma Dawson from the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit expressed her relief at the outcome.
She stated, “Belt sexually assaulted his young victim on several occasions, which must have been very distressing for her.
We are pleased with the sentence handed down today and hope it will help to give the victim and her family some closure.” Dawson also praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and reporting the abuse, encouraging other victims of sexual offences, regardless of how long ago the incidents occurred, to seek help and justice.
