DAVID BELL FROM CLIFTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN THE 1970S

In a case that has spanned several decades, David Bell, a pensioner residing on Moreton Road in Clifton, has been sentenced to a substantial prison term after being found guilty of serious sexual offenses committed against young girls during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Bell, aged 69 at the time of sentencing, appeared before Nottingham Crown Court where he received a sentence of eight years and two months. The court's decision followed a three-day trial held in September 2013, during which Bell entered guilty pleas on April 23 to two counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with a child. However, he maintained his innocence on two other counts of indecent assault and one count of indecency with another child, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The conviction was based on evidence presented during the trial, and Bell was subsequently ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, a measure that underscores the severity of his crimes. The allegations came to light after two women, now adults, came forward in July 2012, revealing that they had been subjected to abuse by Bell during their childhoods.

One of the victims was just four years old when the abuse began, while the other was only ten. The misconduct persisted until both girls reached approximately twelve years of age, causing lasting trauma and emotional scars. The lengthy delay in reporting these crimes highlights the difficulties faced in investigating historical abuse cases, but the police force remains committed to pursuing justice regardless of the passage of time.

Detective Constable Kayne Rukas of Nottinghamshire Police expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “The abuse carried out against these two women when they were young has had a profound effect on their lives. It has taken almost 40 years for them to find the strength to come forward and see this man put behind bars for his abhorrent acts.”

He further emphasized the challenges involved in investigating such cases, noting, “Historical cases like this are difficult to investigate and bring to court but as a force we are committed to rigorously investigating reports like these and prosecuting those responsible for crimes against children.”

Finally, Detective Rukas conveyed a message of hope and support, saying, “I hope that both these women can now move forward with their lives,” reflecting the police’s dedication to justice and the importance of addressing past abuses to prevent future harm.