A convicted child sex offender has been sentenced to three years in jail after the Court of Appeal overturned his original suspended sentence.
In September 2015 at Hull Crown Court, Matthew Ian Bell – a cub-scout leader – pleaded guilty to having sexually assaulted a child in his care.
Bell also pleaded guilty to offences of making and possessing indecent images of children.
He was subsequently sentenced to two years’ imprisonment suspended for two years – and was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years.
The Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP referred the original sentence to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
After the Court of Appeal hearing on Wednesday (27/01/16), Mr Buckland said:
“The original sentence did not reflect the severity of the offences committed by Bell.
“He was placed in a position of trust, which he clearly abused – and a suspended sentence was not warranted in those circumstances.”
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences – including charges of rape, sexual assault, grooming and child sexual exploitation.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.
Duncan Lewis can also advise on appeals against conviction and sentencing, as well as the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.
For expert legal advice on charges relating to sexual offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.