GEORGE BELL FROM CHESTER-LE-STREET SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS
| Red Rose Database
Chester-Le-Street Rapist
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chester-Le-Street, George Bell, aged 58, was convicted of heinous sexual crimes involving three young girls. The incident took place in late May or early June, when Bell lured the girls, aged 12 and 11, to his residence under false pretenses, offering them alcohol and cigarettes.
According to court reports, Bell's actions were predatory and calculated. He provided the girls with cheap wine, which they consumed at his home, before enticing them into his bedroom. There, he committed a series of sexual offenses, including raping a 12-year-old girl in his bed. He also attempted to assault one of the 11-year-olds and engaged in simulated sexual acts with the third girl, also 11, after failing to carry out a full assault.
The young victims were terrified and overwhelmed, managing to escape from Bell's house but choosing to keep what had happened to themselves out of fear and confusion. The truth only emerged later when one of the girls confided in a friend during a school anti-bullying session. This revelation prompted authorities to investigate the matter further.
Law enforcement officers traced the address provided by the girls and identified Bell, who was subsequently recognized during a video identity parade. The trauma inflicted on the girls and their families was profound, and the court heard how deeply affected they were by the ordeal.
During the trial, Tony Hawks, representing Bell, emphasized that his client was not a predatory paedophile. Hawks highlighted that Bell, who has mild learning difficulties, was not actively stalking children in the community and suggested that his behavior was not indicative of ongoing predatory tendencies. He also noted that Bell enjoyed social interactions with younger individuals and was of previously good character.
However, Judge Richard Lowden was unequivocal in his condemnation. He described Bell’s actions as 'extravagantly self-indulgent' and 'staggering in their deviancy,' emphasizing that Bell's conduct inside his home created a dangerous environment. The judge stated that Bell's behavior demonstrated a capacity to cause serious harm and that his actions were a gross violation of trust and safety.
As a result, Bell was sentenced to an indeterminate term with a minimum of five years behind bars for public protection. The judge also ordered that Bell be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and be prohibited from working with or approaching girls under the age of 16. Bell will only be eligible for parole if the parole board deems it safe to release him after serving at least five years, less the 22 weeks he has already spent in custody.
This case has left a lasting impact on the Chester-Le-Street community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Bell’s crimes and the ongoing need to protect young girls from similar threats in the future.
According to court reports, Bell's actions were predatory and calculated. He provided the girls with cheap wine, which they consumed at his home, before enticing them into his bedroom. There, he committed a series of sexual offenses, including raping a 12-year-old girl in his bed. He also attempted to assault one of the 11-year-olds and engaged in simulated sexual acts with the third girl, also 11, after failing to carry out a full assault.
The young victims were terrified and overwhelmed, managing to escape from Bell's house but choosing to keep what had happened to themselves out of fear and confusion. The truth only emerged later when one of the girls confided in a friend during a school anti-bullying session. This revelation prompted authorities to investigate the matter further.
Law enforcement officers traced the address provided by the girls and identified Bell, who was subsequently recognized during a video identity parade. The trauma inflicted on the girls and their families was profound, and the court heard how deeply affected they were by the ordeal.
During the trial, Tony Hawks, representing Bell, emphasized that his client was not a predatory paedophile. Hawks highlighted that Bell, who has mild learning difficulties, was not actively stalking children in the community and suggested that his behavior was not indicative of ongoing predatory tendencies. He also noted that Bell enjoyed social interactions with younger individuals and was of previously good character.
However, Judge Richard Lowden was unequivocal in his condemnation. He described Bell’s actions as 'extravagantly self-indulgent' and 'staggering in their deviancy,' emphasizing that Bell's conduct inside his home created a dangerous environment. The judge stated that Bell's behavior demonstrated a capacity to cause serious harm and that his actions were a gross violation of trust and safety.
As a result, Bell was sentenced to an indeterminate term with a minimum of five years behind bars for public protection. The judge also ordered that Bell be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and be prohibited from working with or approaching girls under the age of 16. Bell will only be eligible for parole if the parole board deems it safe to release him after serving at least five years, less the 22 weeks he has already spent in custody.
This case has left a lasting impact on the Chester-Le-Street community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predators. The court’s decision underscores the severity of Bell’s crimes and the ongoing need to protect young girls from similar threats in the future.