CRAIG BELLFIELD CAUGHT IN PENSHAW CHILD GROOMING PLOT NEAR SUNDERLAND

In December 2016, a disturbing case unfolded involving Craig Bellfield, a man from Penshaw, who was caught attempting to engage in a sexual encounter with a minor through online predatory behavior. The incident was brought to light by the vigilant efforts of the Guardians of the North, an online child protection team dedicated to exposing individuals seeking to exploit children.

Bellfield, aged 29, had arranged to meet what he believed was a 14-year-old boy at a McDonald's restaurant located in Ryhope, Sunderland. The meeting was set up through social media conversations, during which Bellfield falsely claimed to be 24 years old. Unbeknownst to him, the individual he was communicating with was an undercover member of the Guardians of the North, operating a fake account to catch predators attempting to meet minors for sexual purposes.

According to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, the group, posing as a teenage boy named Thomas, informed Bellfield that he was only 14. Despite this, Bellfield expressed his desire to meet the teenager in person. The group confronted Bellfield outside the fast-food establishment on October 29, after which he pleaded with them not to report the incident to the police. The confrontation was captured as evidence of his intent to pursue a sexual relationship with a minor.

Following his arrest, Bellfield, who resides on Station Road in Penshaw, Houghton, was brought before magistrates on October 31, where he pleaded guilty to attempting to groom a child under 16. He was held in custody until his sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Stephen Earl described Bellfield’s actions as deeply inappropriate and predatory. He noted that Bellfield believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old boy and falsely claimed to be 24. The judge emphasized that Bellfield’s online interactions indicated a clear intent to meet the minor for a sexual relationship, which is a serious criminal offense.

Judge Earl acknowledged Bellfield’s personal difficulties, including social isolation and depression, which he said might have influenced his behavior. However, he stressed that such activity warrants custodial sentences to protect children and the community. The judge sentenced Bellfield to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to complete 60 days of rehabilitation.

Furthermore, the court imposed strict conditions, including a prohibition on any contact with children under 16 and a ban on possessing devices capable of internet access without recording browsing history. The judge’s ruling underscores the importance of safeguarding minors from online predators and the serious consequences faced by those who attempt to exploit them.