LEE BELLWOOD SENTENCED FOR RAPE IN DARLINGTON: A DANGEROUS OFFENDER'S CRIME REVEALED

In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Darlington, Lee Bellwood, a 26-year-old man, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of raping a pregnant teenager in her own home. The incident took place in June of the previous year, and the court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the assault.

According to court reports, Bellwood broke into the teenager's flat while she was dozing in her bed. The young woman, aged 17 at the time, was at her residence when Bellwood, who was reportedly intoxicated, committed the assault. Bellwood, who is unemployed and works as a chef, admitted to the burglary but denied the charge of rape. However, a jury found him guilty of the crime after evidence was presented.

The court heard that Bellwood, in an attempt to conceal his identity during the attack, hid his face inside his zip-up top. The assault involved the use of a knife, which he held to the victim as he committed the heinous act. Investigations revealed that Bellwood's fingerprints were discovered on a drainpipe outside the victim's flat, and a print from his trainer was found on the bathroom window ledge, indicating he had climbed inside through the window.

Following the assault, Bellwood returned to his home, where his pregnant girlfriend was waiting. She was also expecting her third child at the time. The severity of the crime was emphasized by the judge, Peter Fox QC, recorder of Middlesbrough, who described it as the most serious form of rape. The judge stated that such a crime warrants the highest possible sentence.

In addition to the prison term, Bellwood was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, marking him as a danger to the community. The case has left a lasting impact on the residents of Darlington, highlighting the importance of justice in cases of sexual violence and the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals.