Sick Darlington paedophile faces 21 years behind bars after admitting he raped child in her sleep
by Sam Volpe · ChronicleLiveA depraved paedophile who raped a child in her sleep now faces a 21-year prison sentence.
Darlington beast George Bellwood raped the child numerous times over a lengthy period. He initially denied eight counts of rape, three of sexual assault and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity - but he later changed his plea and admitted the vile offences.
He also admitted charges of making and distributing indecent images of children, and of possession of extreme pornography involving animals. Bellwood, 32, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday November 22.
He will serve a 21-year sentence and a further four years on extended licence. He will be on the sex offender's register for the rest of his life.
The sick pervert's crimes came to light when his young victim told an adult what had happened. This led to a successful police investigation and after examining Bellwood's devices, officers found more than 2,800 child abuse images. 1,000 of those were classed as the most severe category A kind.
In a victim impact statement, one of the child's family members said: "He has made her go through something that not even an adult should have to deal with. She has had her childhood taken away from her, which she will never get back and will never fully recover from."
Detective Constable Melissa Lamb led the investigation. She said: “This was a deeply upsetting case - the offences disclosed by the young girl are unimaginable and have taken away her childhood. I would like to commend her for the incredible strength and bravery she has shown throughout the whole process.
"From telling a trusted adult what had happened, to being forced to relive her ordeal at court when Bellwood initially pleaded not guilty, she has shown courage beyond her years. She told us: 'I had to protect myself as I wasn’t safe.' No child should ever be subjected to this.
“Thanks to her resilience and strength, we have been able to secure this conviction. Bellwood is an extremely dangerous individual who used a child for his own sexual gratification with no regard whatsoever for her wellbeing or consideration for the enduring psychological trauma he has caused.
“I hope she can now begin the long process of rebuilding her life safe in the knowledge that Bellwood cannot and will not harm her anymore."
Durham Constabulary emphasised that anyone should feel safe to disclose any kind of abuse by calling the force on 101 or 999.
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