ERIC BELL FROM LOCKWOOD CONVICTED AGAIN FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL IN BRADFORD

In a disturbing case that has once again brought the issue of sexual misconduct to the forefront, Eric Bell, a man residing in Lockwood, has been found guilty of molesting a 14-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred in December 2007, has led to serious legal consequences for Bell, who has a troubling history of sexual offences.

Bell, aged 48 at the time of the latest offence, was previously convicted in the late 1990s for a similar sexual misconduct case involving a female. His earlier conviction resulted in a probation period of three years and an order to complete 100 hours of community service. The earlier incident involved Bell touching a woman on her breast while he was supposed to be taking her photographs, revealing a pattern of inappropriate behaviour that has persisted over the years.

In the recent case, Bradford Crown Court heard that Bell had arranged a photo shoot at a studio, claiming he wanted to take pictures of a teenage girl so she could give them as a Christmas gift to her mother. Prosecutor Jonathon Devlin explained that after the initial photo session, Bell invited the girl back to his home under the pretext of taking more photographs. It was during this visit that Bell committed the assault, removing the girl’s top and exposing her breasts. The prosecutor detailed that Bell not only kissed one of her breasts but also grabbed her from behind, actions that left the young girl frightened and scared that something worse might happen.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, reported the incident upon returning home. Bell initially denied any sexual activity with the girl but admitted to the offence only when his case was scheduled for trial last month. The court was told that Bell’s behaviour was part of a pattern, as he had previously been convicted of a similar offence involving a female in the late 1990s.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC addressed Bell’s character during the sentencing, describing him as a man of good character in all respects except for his tendency to exploit his victims under the guise of photography. The judge questioned whether imprisonment for five or six months would be appropriate or if Bell would benefit more from treatment by specialists who have had some success in rehabilitating individuals with similar predilections.

Ultimately, Bell was sentenced to a three-year community supervision order. As part of his sentence, he is required to participate in a sex offender treatment programme. Additionally, Bell must register as a sex offender with the police for the next five years and is subject to a five-year sexual offences prevention order, which restricts his contact with children under 16.

It was also revealed that Bell operates a mobile disco, and the court emphasized that he must not involve himself in parties or events involving young people. The case highlights ongoing concerns about individuals with a history of sexual offences and the measures taken by the justice system to monitor and restrict their activities to protect vulnerable members of the community.