THUG CHOKED EX-PARTNER UNTIL SHE PASSED OUT AND SEXUALLY AND PHYSICALLY ASSAULTED OTHER EXES WALKS FREE
A repeat offender with a history of sexually violent and aggressive behavior has been granted a final chance by the court, avoiding immediate imprisonment.Luke Madeley Bell, aged 24 from Manchester, was described as having a dual personality, forcing himself upon one woman while they were in bed together, claiming: 'I have not had sex in a long time.' He also became violent in a subsequent relationship with another woman, during which he was seen throttling her until she lost consciousness in a heated argument regarding her previous partner.
The defendant admitted to various crimes including sexual assault, intentional strangulation, multiple assaults, and criminal damage before Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court.
Despite his plea, the court chose to suspend his sentence as part of a final rehabilitative effort.
He received a 19-month prison sentence suspended over two years, coupled with an order to attend the 'Building Better Relationships' program, perform 20 hours of rehabilitative activities, and complete 120 hours of unpaid work.
He was also mandated to register as a sex offender for seven years.
Authorities discovered during his arrest that he had a previous conviction related to assault, harassment, and intimidation against another ex-girlfriend, which he blamed on heavy drinking.
His legal history also includes a prior six-month community order for a 2021 assault involving harassment and threats.
The second victim’s statement revealed her internal conflict: 'I still love Luke but I hate what he has done to me.
I struggle to sleep because I know what he is capable of doing to me.
It left me shamed, embarrassed and afraid.' The court detailed that his initial partner met him through work, and their relationship was initially peaceful until Bell’s jealousy and paranoia surfaced, fuelled by alcohol and missed anger management sessions.
His violence escalated to physical assault, leading her to obtain a protective order.
Later, after they resumed contact, Bell’s behaviour deteriorated further.
In one incident, he attempted non-consensual sex in bed, despite her protests.
On another occasion, they were out together when he became aggressive after drinking, leading to threats and physical confrontation outside a supermarket.
He broke into her house, causing damage, after which their relationship ended.
A month following this, he entered into a new relationship with similar issues of jealousy, drugs, and alcohol.
During an argument, he attempted to strangle her, causing her to near unconsciousness and suffer injuries that prompted medical treatment.
Police investigations confirmed his previous convictions for assault and harassment.
He had served time for a similar case in 2021, with additional threats made during that period.
His defence counsel highlighted his youthful age and acknowledged the pattern of behaviour linked to alcohol abuse, suggesting he still seeks to better himself.
The judge emphasised the gravity of the offenses, particularly given his prior record, but opted for a reform-oriented sentence, warning Bell that this was his last chance and that he would be under supervision for the next two years, emphasising the importance of learning from this court appearance.
