JACK BELL HAS BEEN BRANDED A SIGNIFICANT RISK BY JUDGE

A “DANGEROUS” sex attacker has been jailed by a judge who branded him a significant risk of very serious harm to women.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

Jack Bell, 22, left two victims with lasting psychological impacts after targeting them as they walked alone in Northallerton.

He later went on to be convicted for two stalking offences on lone women in Hartlepool. At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday for the two sexual assaults, the Teesside Crown Court judge described Bell as a “dangerous” offender. He said Bell had an “utterly distorted view of women” and his “sexual entitlement” over them.

The first attack when Bell targeted a woman in Northallerton. She heard heavy footsteps behind her and moved to the side of the pavement to allow the person to pass by.

Bell grabbed her between the legs before running off. While under investigation for this attack, Bell then carried out the second sex assault.

The victim had seen the defendant following her the day prior to the assault, said Paul Cleasby, prosecuting. “The following evening, she was again walking in Northallerton and again noticed the defendant who appeared to be hanging around. Again he followed her and she became increasingly concerned as she could hear his footsteps approaching her from behind.”

When she headed into an alleyway, Bell tried to engage in conversation before launching the sexual attack. As she tried to push him off her, Bell attempted to put her into a headlock and force her to the ground.