21-year sentence for paedophile who raped child in her sleep

A paedophile who raped a child in her sleep has been handed a 21-year prison sentence.

George Bellwood raped the child at least 25 times over a three-year period, on one occasion assaulting her while she slept.  

He also regularly forced her to carry out other sex acts on him, often recording the abuse on his mobile phone.

The 32-year-old’s offending came to light when the child bravely told a trusted adult what had happened, who then informed Durham Constabulary.

An investigation was launched, and Bellwood was arrested.

During the investigation, his phone and laptop were seized and thoroughly analysed by specialist police officers from the force’s Digital Investigation Team, who found more than 2,800 images of child abuse.

More than 1,000 were classed as Category A images – the most severe.

Bellwood was charged with a multitude of offences, including eight counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, all of which he initially denied, but later changed his plea to guilty.

He also admitted further charges of making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography involving animals.

Bellwood, of Darlington, was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at Durham Crown Court today (November 22) where he was handed a 21-year prison sentence, with four years on extended licence.

He will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register.

In a victim impact statement, one of the girl’s family members described the impact Bellwood’s offending had on her.

“He has made her go through something that not even an adult should have to deal with,” they said. 

“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, from Darlington Safeguarding Team, 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.”

If you or someone you know is suffering at the hands of an abuser, report it to Durham Constabulary on 101, or 999 if life is in immediate danger.

Further advice and support:

• NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000, email [email protected], or visit www.nspcc.org.uk
• Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre – call 0330 223 0099, or visit www.sarcdurham.co.uk