[A] PERVERT who raped a child and woman has been jailed for 22 years.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Allan Raymond Bell, 37, committed a catalogue of sick sex crimes which ruined the lives of his respective victims.
Bell was sentenced this afternoon having been convicted, unanimously, of 11 charges following a trial in October.
After hearing all evidence in the case, jurors concluded Bell had repeatedly raped a woman. They also concluded he had raped and sexually abused a child.
In addition, Bell had threatened to kill the youngster while brandishing a knife in a bid to “buy silence”.
Bell, of Garnet Crescent, Salterbeck, Workington, had pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintained his innocence, the court heard.
But the woman had described how his crimes had a “shattering” impact on her, while the child was left with “rock bottom self-esteem”.
Judge James Adkin jailed Bell for 22 years and made him subject to an extended five-year licence period. He will be considered for parole only after serving two-thirds of his prison term.
He must sign the sex offenders’ register for life, and abide by the strict terms of a sexual harm prevention order.
Judge Adkin described Bell as a “highly violent sexually and physically aggressive offender”.
PS Jennifer Stable said: “Cases of sexual offences are always taken seriously by police. But in order for Cumbria Police to bring sexual offenders to justice we need the support of victims. I would like to thank the victims in this case for their bravery in coming forward and supporting a lengthy police investigation. Without their courage this result would not be possible.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that all allegations of recent or non-recent sexual abuse will be investigated thoroughly by Cumbria Police.”