Jack Bell 22

Description

A "dangerous" sex attacker has been jailed by a judge who branded him a significant risk of very serious harm to women. Jack Bell, 22, left two victims with lasting psychological trauma after targeting them as they walked alone in Northallerton. He was later convicted of two stalking offenses against lone women in Hartlepool.

At Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Jonathan Carroll described Bell as a "dangerous" offender with an "utterly distorted view of women" and "sexual entitlement" over them.

In the first assault, Bell grabbed a woman between the legs as she moved aside to let him pass, then fled. While under investigation, he committed the second attack. The victim had noticed him following her the previous day. The next evening, he followed her again into an alleyway, tried to engage her, then sexually assaulted her, attempted a headlock, grabbed her throat, and tried to force her to the ground. Fearing he was reaching for a weapon, she resisted. "The defendant then looked at her, smiled at her then spat on the floor," said prosecutor Paul Cleasby. "The defendant then said to his victim, 'you f***ing weirdo' before he ran from the scene."

The first victim said the experience was "awful" and remains traumatizing, affecting her mental health, relationships, and self-worth: "He took what he wanted, without permission, and I now have to deal with the repercussions on my self-worth and confidence all because of his actions." She added it has "completely changed me as a person."

The second victim, diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, said: "My mental health is at its absolute lowest. I have flashbacks and see his face when I'm trying to sleep. When I look back to that day I remember thinking he was going to kill me. It's ruined my life. I don't know if I will ever be the same again."

Since the assaults, Bell served 16 weeks for stalking in Hartlepool. Bell, of Balmoral Road, Rossmere, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to two sexual assault counts. Defense lawyer Jonathan Walker said Bell was "deeply sorry" and showed remorse as an "immature young man" confronting "concerning" traits.

The judge noted a "pattern of stalking lone women" for sexual offending. Of the first victim: "still living and reliving that moment over and over again." Of the second: "Having done it once and having been arrested on it... you clearly had developed a taste for this behaviour." He highlighted Bell's post-assault smile, spit, and insult as showing distorted views. Unless Bell changes, "you are and are likely to remain for the foreseeable future, a very significant risk of very serious harm."

Bell received an extended sentence: four years in prison plus two years on extended license, with an indefinite restraining order.