LEE BELSHAM AND SHOCKING SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN YORKSHIRE
A woman in her 60s endured a terrifying and traumatic assault carried out by Lee Belsham, a 38-year-old man from Yorkshire, which has resulted in a significant prison sentence.The incident took place in the area of Knottingley, and the court proceedings revealed the harrowing details of the attack.
The victim bravely appeared at Leeds Crown Court to deliver a statement describing how the assault has profoundly affected her life.
She recounted her feelings during the attack, stating, “I thought I was going to die, I was so scared.
That memory will live with me forever and haunts me to this day.” Her testimony underscored the severity of the trauma she experienced.
The assault occurred around lunchtime on March 6 this year, when Belsham followed the woman along Sowgate Lane in Knottingley.
The attack escalated when he “rugby tackled” her as she entered one of the small tunnels that run beneath the M62 and A1(M) motorways.
Once on the ground, Belsham sat on her back and began to sexually assault her, touching her between her legs and placing his hands under her bra.
Throughout the assault, he repeatedly threatened to kill her if she screamed, heightening her fear and sense of helplessness.
After dragging her to her feet, Belsham ordered her to “drop them,” referring to her underwear.
The woman explained to him that the path was busy with pedestrians, which caused Belsham to seemingly come to his senses.
He then made off from the scene, leaving her shaken and distressed.
Belsham was later apprehended after CCTV footage from the area captured him leaving the vicinity still dressed in the same clothes he had worn during the attack.
The victim was able to identify him, and DNA evidence recovered from her matched Belsham’s profile.
Despite initial denials, he eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and making threats to kill.
Further court disclosures revealed that Belsham, who was formerly residing on Ferrybridge Road in Knottingley, had a history of similar misconduct.
He admitted to indecently exposing himself to two women on separate occasions in June 2021.
The first incident involved him dropping his trousers and masturbating in front of a female jogger on a towpath next to the River Calder at Ferrybridge.
Two days later, he committed a similar offence involving a 14-year-old girl on the same towpath.
Belsham’s criminal record includes over 20 previous convictions, many related to violence, indicating a long history of offending behavior.
The court, presided over by Judge Simon Batiste, sentenced Belsham to a total of seven years in prison.
Additionally, he was given a three-year extended license period and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Batiste emphasized the impact of Belsham’s actions, stating, “It’s clear you followed her for some distance.
It’s evident the impact it’s had on her and will have life-long profound effects.” Outside the court, Detective Inspector Rachel Darling from Wakefield District Safeguarding Unit praised the victim’s courage in coming forward.
She expressed hope that the lengthy sentence would provide some measure of closure for the woman and acknowledged the diligent efforts of the investigation team in Wakefield that led to Belsham’s conviction.
Following the sentencing, the victim shared her thoughts, expressing gratitude for the police support she received.
She stated, “I cannot fault the support and kindness that I have received from the police from the date this happened.
Everything that the officer in the case has done for me is greatly appreciated.
I have waited for this day for seven months and I feel I can begin again now and move on.
I will not allow that man to destroy my life.”
