Following the sentencing of her “sadistic” and “malevolent” assailant, Ricky Bellion Sheffield Paedophile, to 22 years in prison earlier today (6 February), a rape victim from Doncaster has conveyed her “sincere gratitude” to a detective sergeant, officers, and staff engaged in an extensive historical sexual assault inquiry.
Ricky Bellion perpetrated egregious sexual abuse against his young victim during a seven-year span during the 1980s and 1990s, commencing when she was under 10 years old.
Following the courageous disclosure of Ricky Bellion’s offences to law enforcement in 2019, an inquiry was initiated, resulting in the 60-year-old receiving a sentence of almost twenty years in jail.
The victim composed a letter addressed to Detective Sergeant Joanna Vine, who collaborated on the case for several years with the now-retired DC Janine Innes.
“I want to express the most extensive level of personal gratitude first for of all, to you, for all the hard work that you have put into my case from the outset.
“It’s taken great effort, determination and insistence to get this far. Words will never thank you enough for all the effort this has taken professionally and for all the extra input needed, where it has required the ‘above and beyond’ efforts to ensure this case reached its conclusion.
“The journey to get to reach this day has been very hard, and at times I had lost the determination and strength to see this through.
“Something in me, however, had that endurance to keep on going, and to not be flattened by lengthy delays and complications. The determination and inner strength have got me to where I am now.
“I will never ever forget, each and every person and the organisations who have supported me along the way in this process.”
Ricky Bellion’s grooming of his young victim began when the victim attended public swimming sessions at the now defunct St James’ Baths in Doncaster around 1984.
The victim was then manipulated over time, which led to the extensive and frequent indecent assaults and prolonged sexual abuse for many years following this.
She labelled Ricky Bellion as “sadistic” and “evil” and said that her quest for justice has “unmuted” her voice and “increased my confidence beyond my own expectations or predictions”.
She added: “The shame and secrecy the crimes made me have, are slowly being lifted. It has been like a like a horrid lead weight on me, that has been crushing my inner soul and mind over the years.
“To finally get justice, is beyond any words or feelings that I can ever attempt to describe or express.
“The audacity of him to remain acting like an innocent man from the very start of this case, has been insulting, when all along, there were never any doubts about the truth.”
A further victim also came forward in 2019. This resulted in Ricky Bellion being charged with a total of nine counts of sexual abuse, including multiple counts of rape and indecent assault.
Rather than admit his guilt, he denied any criminality, resulting in an 11-day trial at Sheffield Crown Court in November 2024.
Ricky Bellion, of Washington Road, Sheffield, was found guilty of all counts on 25 November and had been remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at the same court today (6 February).
Speaking after today’s sentencing, DS Vine said:
“Both victims deserve enormous credit for reporting Ricky Bellion’s crimes to police, and I hope this case goes to show that it does not matter how long ago it happened – we will always strive for justice.
“This was a very lengthy and complex investigation, and I am pleased Bellion has been given a significant custodial sentence.
“Please remember it is never too late to report a sexual offence. If you have been a victim or you know someone who has been a victim of this crime, please know that we are here to listen to you and support you through every step of the process.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.