RICHARD BELLARS SENTENCED IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGER

In October 2012, Richard Bellars, a well-known magician from Tunbridge Wells, was handed down a significant sentence following his involvement in a series of disturbing sexual communications with a minor. The court heard that Bellars, aged 31 at the time, had engaged in sending highly inappropriate and sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old girl, which included not only suggestive messages but also explicit photographs of himself, both nude and performing a sex act.

During the proceedings at Sevenoaks magistrates' court, it was revealed that Bellars had made a particularly alarming statement in one of his messages, where he told the young girl, “I will hold you down and rape you.” This comment, along with the other messages and photographs, demonstrated a pattern of predatory behavior that the court found deeply concerning.

Richard Bellars, who has previously performed magic on television, including appearances alongside renowned illusionists Penn and Teller, was found guilty of two charges under the Sexual Offences Act. The court was informed that the communication between Bellars and the girl was conducted through various platforms, including Facebook, Skype, and his mobile phone, indicating a sustained effort to maintain contact with the minor.

In his sentencing, the chairman of the bench, Gary Knight, emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating that it was so serious that imprisonment was a real possibility. He noted that the situation had “escalated in a very short period,” highlighting the rapid progression of Bellars’ inappropriate conduct.

As part of the court’s ruling, a sexual offenders prevention order was issued, which restricts Bellars from coming into contact with children unless their parents are fully aware of his convictions. This measure aims to prevent any further risk to minors and to monitor his interactions with young people.

The incident stemmed from Bellars’ involvement in a charity event in May, where he met the girl and another teenager at a magic show held to raise funds for the Royal Victoria Hall in Southborough. Despite his public persona as a magician, Bellars’ actions revealed a troubling breach of trust and boundaries.

Following his sentencing, Bellars appeared outside the court to offer an apology. He expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “To everybody that I know, whether a friend or a supporter of my magic career, I just want to say I’m truly sorry for my actions and for letting you down. It’s never happened before and it will never happen again.” He added, “I’m the same man you’ve always known and I made a stupid mistake,” attempting to mitigate the severity of his conduct but acknowledging the seriousness of his behavior.