Justice for women as they see rapist jailed for 27 years

A man who raped three women has been jailed for 27 years.

Christopher Bell began relationships with each of the women before subjecting them to a catalogue of abuse, which included rapes, sexual assaults, and strangling them until they struggled to breathe.

The 33-year-old also forced two of the women to have sex with other men against their will for his own gratification.

A police investigation was launched and Bell, of Sedgefield, was charged with several offences.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday (September 26) where he was sentenced for six counts of rape, one of strangulation, and one of assault by penetration.

He admitted the offences on the second day of his trail last month after two of the women had given evidence against him.

Other charges he was facing were left on file after the prosecution accepted his guilty pleas to the eight counts he admitted.

All three of the survivors were in court for the sentencing where they described the long-lasting effects that Bell’s offending had on them.

One was only a teenager when she was subjected to the abuse.

“I am an empty shell compared to the girl I once was,” she said. “That girl died the moment Bell raped her and I will never get her back.

“It has taken all I have to realise that I am not the one in the wrong. I am not to blame. I was a child. But even with this knowledge I am forced to live with the consequences of his actions.”

Another told the court how Bell had isolated her from her friends and family and tracked her mobile phone.

“At the time I felt unable to walk away from the situation as I had been isolated by Christopher. I rarely found myself in a situation when I was alone with him, and I now realise that this was yet another form of his control,” she said.

“Because of Christopher’s behaviour towards me – his sexual aggression, controlling nature, and manipulation – I lost all my self-confidence, was unable to work, and my mental health declined dramatically.”

Another said: “Christopher Bell has never once stopped and admitted his behaviour towards me and his other victims, and he seems to live in his own fantasy world.

“He will continue to prey on vulnerable people in my opinion because he caught me at my lowest when he met me after my relationship ended. I was employed and self-sufficient, but he left me broken emotionally and financially.

“I think Christopher Bell needs to spend a lot of time in prison and he will do this again and again given the opportunity.”

Bell was sentenced to 24 years in prison followed by three years of licence supervision.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and was handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting any of the women for 30 years.

Investigative Officers Heidi Weir and David Wray, from Durham Constabulary’s safeguarding team, led the investigation.

They said: “The three victims have shown incredible courage, bravery, and dignity throughout this investigation and court process.

“Nobody should ever have to suffer abuse of this nature, let alone at the hands of someone who is supposed to love and support them.

“We hope this result provides them with some closure and allows them to start their journey to recovery.” 

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page

here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected]or visit rsacc-thecentre.org.uk