ANDREW BELL AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENCES IN WREXHAM
A man from Wrexham, Andrew Bell, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of committing multiple sexual offences against a teenage boy.Bell, aged 60, whose registered addresses include the Blue Bell Inn and Plas Issa in Penycae, appeared before Mold Crown Court via videolink from HMP Berwyn on Monday, October 16, for sentencing.
Prior to the sentencing, Bell had re-arraigned himself on the day a trial was scheduled, admitting to two counts of sexual assault on a male out of a total of nine charges.
Initially, he had pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution, led by Simon Rogers, outlined that the offences occurred between 2013 and 2015, during which Bell had befriended a teenage boy.
The court was informed that these incidents took place both within the United Kingdom and abroad.
According to the evidence presented, Bell and the teenage complainant had been traveling together in a van.
On one occasion, they stopped in a remote area to sleep for the night.
During this stop, Bell opened a bottle of wine, and both drank together.
Later that night, the complainant, who was sleeping in a sleeping bag, was awakened when he felt a hand down his pants.
This marked the first of several assaults carried out by Bell.
The victim described feeling frozen during the incident, and he expressed feelings of being 'isolated' and 'scared.' The court heard that Bell engaged in similar acts multiple times over a span of two years, often in various vehicles and locations.
These incidents frequently occurred after they had been drinking together.
The complainant described Bell as the 'nicest man in the world' when sober, highlighting the complex nature of his personality.
On another occasion, the victim fell asleep on a sofa, only to be awakened later by Bell kneeling beside him and touching him under the covers.
Bell was arrested in connection with these offences and subsequently gave a 'no comment' interview in June 2020.
It was also revealed that Bell had a prior conviction for the sexual abuse of children aged between 9 and 16, for which he was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2002.
During the court proceedings, the victim read a personal statement, expressing feelings of shame and embarrassment, and describing how the incidents had profoundly affected his family.
He stated, "Someone I thought I could trust betrayed me in the worst possible way." Bell was given the opportunity to address the court via video link, where he acknowledged his wrongdoing, stating, "There can be no excuse for my abhorrent behaviour." He apologized for the damage, anguish, and emotional turmoil he caused, emphasizing that the complainant had never encouraged his actions.
Defense lawyer Jane Greenhalgh described Bell as a kind man who is well-liked by many people, suggesting a complex character.
However, Recorder Simon Mills noted that Bell was 'clearly capable of changing in a predatory way' when his inhibitions were lowered by alcohol.
Bell was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Additionally, he was subjected to an indefinite restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The court also warned that if Bell reoffended in the future, he could face a life sentence.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Chris Hargrave from the North Wales Amethyst Team commented on the case, praising the bravery of the victim in coming forward.
He stated, "His determination to ensure that the offender was correctly brought to justice was motivated by a desire to ensure others are not placed at further risk of abuse.
No sentence can ever undo the harm caused, but I hope this sentence today brings some measure of justice and healing to the victim.
We continue to be committed to bringing perpetrators of sexual crimes to justice, and I would encourage anyone who wishes to report a sexual crime to come forward and speak to us."
