Darlington child rapist branded ‘arrogant and despicable’

George Bellwood’s horrendous abuse left his victim wanting to die after the pervert video recorded some of his deplorable sex attacks.

The 32-year-old eventually pleaded guilty to all charges but not until he had forced his young victim to be cross examined ahead of his impending trial date.

Sentencing him, Judge Jo Kidd said: “(The victim) was the subject of the most heinous, monstrous, violent abuse by you.

“Matters came to light when they disclosed to their teacher what had happened. The child said - ‘it makes me sad and stressed and I wish I was dead’.”

Durham Crown Court heard how Bellwood’s violent sexual abuse had left the victim suffering from medical problems and left her in tears which didn’t stop the assaults.

Judge Kidd added: “(The victim's) tears caused no reflection or deterrent on your part.”

She told Bellwood that she believed he only delayed entering his guilty pleas to all offences in the hope that his victim would not be able to attend court and give evidence against him.

“You withheld your pleas in this case cynically to see whether or not they would be well enough to be cross examined. You have pushed the issues of your pleas to the end on every occasion.

“You were obviously to eventually to enter pleas to offences captured on video recordings,” she added.

“You had no regard for the ongoing trauma your decision had on them.

"The victim's pain and distress were obvious, as was the vulnerability of their mother, nevertheless, you chose to have them cross examined.

“That shows the level of arrogance, lack of remorse and the despicable nature of your lack of regard for humanity.”

Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said the truth came out when the child plucked up the courage to speak to their teacher and a number of videos of the sex abuse were found on the defendant’s digital devices.

In a victim impact statement, the child’s mother laid bare the suffering and pain they had endured at the hands of Bellwood.

She said the child now has difficulty regulating their emotions and regularly says they want to be dead and that is heartbreaking.

George Bellwood (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Bellwood, of Zetland Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, sexual assault on a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent images of child, distributing an indecent image of a child, and possession of extreme pornography.

Robert Mochrie, representing the defendant, said: “He recognises that this is truly abhorrent behaviour and the only thing that can be said is that he has uttered words to the author of the pre-sentence report that he hopes his victim will hope to put it behind them.”

Bellwood will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life as a result of his conviction.

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

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Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Melissa Lamb, from the Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “This was a deeply upsetting case - the offences disclosed by the young victim are unimaginable and have taken away her childhood.

“I would like to commend them for the incredible strength and bravery they have shown throughout the whole process. From telling a trusted adult what had happened, to being forced to relive the ordeal at court when Bellwood initially pleaded not guilty, they have shown courage beyond their years.

“(The victim) told us: 'I had to protect myself as I wasn’t safe'. No child should ever be subjected to this. Thanks to their 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 their wellbeing or consideration for the enduring psychological trauma he has caused.”