NICHOLAS BELL OF MARYPORT SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN IN CUMBRIA

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Maryport, Nicholas Bell, a 19-year-old man, was handed a substantial prison sentence of nine years at Carlisle Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offences committed against minors. The offences, which took place when Bell was just 17 years old, include a grave mix of criminal acts involving children, highlighting a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior.

On the 19th of March, 2018, Bell was found guilty of multiple charges following a detailed trial. The charges included one count of rape, six counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of assault by penetration, one count of possession of a bladed article, and one count of common assault. The court also imposed a five-year extended licence period, ensuring close monitoring of Bell’s activities upon his release.

Throughout the investigation, law enforcement officials uncovered a troubling pattern of Bell’s conduct. Detective Constable Hayley Carson described how Bell targeted young girls, some of whom he knew were underage, while others openly disclosed their age to him. Despite knowing or being told that these girls were minors, Bell persisted in attempting to engage them in sexual activities through various means, including phone calls, social media platforms, and face-to-face encounters.

Detective Carson emphasized the dangers posed by social media applications such as Snapchat, which predators often exploit to contact children with malicious intent. She expressed hope that this case would serve as a stark reminder to adults about the importance of discussing online safety with children, making it more difficult for offenders like Bell to operate undetected.

In her statement, Detective Carson also praised the bravery of the young girls who came forward to report Bell’s actions. She urged others who may have suffered similar offences to contact authorities immediately, assuring them that their voices would be heard and justice would be pursued.

As part of his sentence, Bell will be registered on the sex offenders’ register for life, a measure designed to protect the community from potential future harm. The sentencing marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to combat child sexual exploitation in the region, and it underscores the seriousness with which such crimes are treated by the justice system.