A vicious child rapist who ignored his victim’s tears as he repeatedly raped her before recording his attacks has been jailed for 25 years.
George Bellwood’s abuse left his victim wanting to die after filming his deplorable sexual attacks.
The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges, but only after forcing his young victim to undergo cross-examination ahead of his impending trial date.
Durham Crown Court heard how Bellwood’s violent sexual abuse left the victim with medical problems and left them in tears, which failed to stop the attacks.
Jonathan Walker, prosecuting, said the truth emerged when the child mustered the courage to speak to his teacher and a number of videos of the sexual abuse were found on the suspect’s digital devices.
In a victim impact statement, the child’s mother laid bare the suffering and pain they endured at the hands of Bellwood.
She said her daughter now had difficulty regulating their emotions and regularly said they wanted to be dead.
Bellwood, of Zetland Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, sexual assault of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, making indecent images of a child, distributing indecent image of a child, and possession of extreme pornography.
George Bellwood repeatedly abused a young child and filmed his attacks. He is sentenced to 25 years in prison
Sentencing Bellwood, Judge Jo Kidd said: ‘(The victim) was the subject of the most horrific, monstrous and violent abuse by you.
‘The matters came to light when they told their teacher what had happened. The child said, “It makes me sad and stressed and I wish I were dead.”
Judge Kidd added: ‘The tears (of the victim) caused no reflection or deterrence on your part.’
She told Bellwood she believed he was merely delaying entering his guilty pleas to all offenses in the hope that his victim would be unable to come to court and testify against him.
“You have cynically withheld your arguments in this case to see whether or not they would be good enough to be cross-examined. You have brought the issues of your pleadings to a conclusion on every occasion.
“It was clear that ultimately you had to enter pleas for offenses that were captured on video recordings,” she added.
“You failed to take into account the ongoing trauma your decision had on them.
‘The victim’s pain and grief was clear, as was the vulnerability of their mother. Yet you chose to have them cross-examined.
“That shows the level of arrogance, the lack of remorse and the despicable nature of your disrespect for humanity.”
Robert Mochrie, representing the defendant, said: ‘He recognizes that this is truly abhorrent behavior and all that can be said is that he has spoken words to the author of the pre-trial report that he hopes his victim will too hope to do. it behind them.’
Bellwood’s attacks left his victim with medical problems and an inability to control his emotions, Durham Crown Court heard (pictured).
As a result of his conviction, Bellwood will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Constable Melissa Lamb, of Darlington Safeguarding Team, said: “This was a deeply disturbing case – the offenses revealed by the young victim are unimaginable and took away her childhood.
“I would like to commend them for the incredible strength and courage they have shown throughout the process.
“From telling a trusted adult what had happened, to being forced to relive the ordeal in court when Bellwood initially pleaded not guilty, they have shown courage beyond their years.
“(The victim) told us, ‘I had to protect myself because I wasn’t safe.’ No child should ever be exposed to this. Thanks to their resilience and strength, we have been able to realize this belief.
“Bellwood is an extremely dangerous individual who used a child for his own sexual gratification without any regard for their well-being or regard for the lasting psychological trauma he has caused.”