December 2015 Paedophile who abused young girl jailed for 12 years A paedophile from Tunbridge Wells who sexually abused a young girl has been jailed for 12 years. Raymond Bell, 66, of North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells was responsible for a catalogue of abuse which took place over a period of seven years and was convicted by a jury after denying all charges. Bell tried to keep the abuse secret by buying his victim gifts and warning her ‘he would get shot and thrown in jail’ if anyone was to find out. He was arrested by Kent Police on July 16 2015 when the child confided in relatives about the abuse. During police interview Bell denied any wrongdoing, claiming his victim was simply seeking attention. At Maidstone Crown Court Bell later pleaded guilty to 12 separate offences, many of which took place in his own home. These included ten offences of sexual assault of a child and two offences of assault by penetration. On December 4 Bell was sentenced to 12 years in prison. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and will also be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Leading the investigation for Kent Police was PC Lisa Roots who said: “Bell was calculated in the abuse of his victim and I’m pleased the court has recognised the severity of his actions. The lengthy sentence imposed sends a clear message to anyone else who abuses children for their own sexual gratification. “I would like to thank the victim, who showed tremendous courage in speaking out and reporting his terrible crimes to her family. Her bravery allowed us to able to take swift action against Bell and ultimately secure a conviction against him. I hope that all those involved can now begin to move on with their lives.”