Further four years in prison for convicted Darlington paedophile

A paedophile who was jailed for 21 years in 2024 has been handed a further four years in prison after another survivor came forward and reported abuse to police.

George Bellwood was jailed in 2024 for a multitude of offences, including eight counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and making and distributing indecent images of children.

A police investigation found the 34-year-old had raped a child at least 25 times over a three-year period, on one occasion assaulting her while she slept.

Now Bellwood, formerly of Darlington, has been jailed for a further four years after being found guilty of five further counts of sexual assault on another girl under the age of 13.

The girl, who is now a young woman, came forward to police and reported that Bellwood had abused her numerous times when he was aged between 16 and 18.

Appearing at Teesside Crown Court last week, he was jailed for a further four years and made subject to a restraining order preventing him from making contact with the woman.

In a victim impact statement, which she bravely read out in court, the woman said: “Throughout the years of abuse as a child I was scared, I was made to believe it was my fault, and that no-one would believe me.

“I will never look at a man around children the same again – I always wonder what if, even if I know 100% that nothing is happening, it always sits in my mind.

“This affected my daily life from sleeping, socialising, trusting, and engaging in what should have been normal activities. I lived in fear he’d come back for more or find it in other children as I grew up and got older.

“I hope prison brings him time to reflect on the things he has done. He stole my innocence and childhood, the colour from my life, and he made my days a living hell.”

Addressing Bellwood directly, she said: “I know I will never mentally or physically recover from the damage you have caused, but from this day forward I will not be held back by you any longer.

“I have hopes and dreams that I am going to accomplish and make sure no child has to go through this again at the hands of him.”

Detective Sergeant Melissa Lamb, from Durham Constabulary, led the investigation. She said: “Bellwood is clearly a very dangerous offender who poses a significant risk to young children.

“I’d like to commend the young woman for having the courage to come forward and report Bellwood’s offending to police. Thanks to her bravery, we have been able to secure another conviction and a further custodial sentence for Bellwood.”

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

Reports can also be made online here: www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

Further advice and support:

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