Pervert avoids prison after sexual assaulting young girl because of ‘previous good character’
A TORQUAY man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 has been spared jail by a judge who heard he was a man of previous good character.
Gary Bell-Hunter, 45, was found guilty at a trial earlier this year of two counts of sexual assault on a child.
The defendant had denied the charges but the jury rejected his evidence after hearing the account of the distressed young victim who said he had touched her inappropriately on two occasions.
At his sentencing hearing the judge at Exeter Crown Court said Bell-Hunter still denied his guilt and had told his probation worker the child had made it all up.
But Judge Francis Gilbert said this was far from the truth and there was ‘clear evidence’ of his guilt.
He said: “You claimed this was innocent touching during a game and pleaded not guilty despite clear evidence you were guilty.
“The witness was totally credible and her distress in giving evidence was perfectly plain to see.
“Both your conduct in committing these offences and your denial caused the victim to give evidence in court.
“In interview with probation you’ve continued to deny any sexual motivation. I find your reasons for saying this totally unbelievable and malicious on your part.
“The victim and prosecuting witnesses were entirely credible.”
He said the fact Bell-Hunter had no previous convictions did not in itself stop him being sent to jail. But he added he was bound to follow the guidelines for the offence set out by the sentencing council.
The defendant, of Mincent Road, was given 18-months in jail, suspended for two years.
The sentence includes two years supervision and attendance of the Facing Forward programme.
Bell-Hunter was put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.
He must pay £2,800 costs and a victim surcharge of £100.
