Jack Bell – Hartlepool

A Hartlepool man branded “a significant risk of very serious harm to women” has been jailed.

Jack Bell, 22, of Balmoral Road was jailed for four years with an additional two years on extended licence when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court earlier this week (7 October 2025).

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

He attacked the first victim after she heard footsteps behind her and moved to allow the person to pass. Bell then grabbed her between the legs before running away.

In the second attack the victim noticed him following her the day before the assault. The day after he followed her again and hearing footsteps behind her, she tried to escape down an alleyway, but Bell caught up with her and tried to engage her in conversation and as she tried to escape, he attempted to put her in a head-lock and force her to the ground, he then grabbed her by the throat and sexually assaulted her.

The sentencing judge said Bell had an “utterly distorted view of women” and his “sexual entitlement” over them.