County Durham Pervert Jailed for Child Sex Offenses and Sexual Assault

A County Durham man, Paul Bell, has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for sexual activity with a child and sexual assault.

The 41-year-old, of Yewtree Avenue, Shildon, denied the offenses but was found guilty following a three-day trial at Durham Crown Court last week.

The court heard that Bell, who appeared via video link from HMP Durham, committed the offenses while intoxicated.

During the sentencing, victim impact statements were read by prosecutor Shaun Dodds. One victim described the impact Bell's actions had on her mental health, leaving her feeling nervous around anyone who drinks. She expressed her belief that she would never be able to forget her experience.

The younger victim shared that she had feared not being believed and suffered from insomnia as a result of the assault. She also mentioned the negative impact on her education.

Defense attorney Ian West stated that Bell had no prior criminal record but was limited in his ability to defend Bell due to the guilty verdict.

Judge James Adkin emphasized the significant trauma and anxiety inflicted upon the victims by Bell's actions. He acknowledged Bell's inability to control his attraction to a child.

In addition to the prison sentence, Bell will be placed on the sex offender's register for life. A restraining order and a lifetime sexual harm prevention order were also imposed.