A man was told by Judge Corinne Philpott at Craigavon Crown Court yesterday that when he came out of prison he would face being ostracised. She was sentencing Godfrey Ernest Bell (55), c/o Fountainville House, Newcastle, Co Down, to a total of 21/2 years in jail. He was found guilty of 15 charges of assaulting young girls from 1993 to 1997.
In addition to the concurrent sentences, she ordered that Bell's name be placed on the register of sex offenders and that, within 14 days of his release, he must inform the RUC of any change of name or address.
Mr Timothy Ferris QC, defending, said Bell had had an unhappy upbringing. In 1979, he had a tumour removed from his brain and had not worked since. The operation had affected movement.
Judge Philpott said she took into account Bell's age, his health difficulties and his previous clear record. However, the court could not condone what had happened.