In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Malcolm Bellwood, then 63, of Discovery House, Barkerend Road, Bradford, was jailed for a total of four and a half years with a six-year extended licence period. Bellwood, described as a “dangerous and determined” individual, was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for a series of “depraved” attempts to incite young girls into sexual activity.
The investigation revealed that Bellwood made internet contact with what he believed were children aged between 12 and 15. He urged these “children” to perform penetrative sexual acts and to engage in acts of bestiality. Although the court heard that Bellwood is of very low intelligence and no real children were involved—as he was communicating with the paedophile hunting team Catching Online Predators—his intent was “definite and blatant.”
A Persistent Threat to Children
Judge Jonathan Rose emphasised that Bellwood exhibited a “determined and continuing” interest in young children, a confession Bellwood made to himself, stating he had been interested in girls as young as 12 for over 20 years.
His “behaviour” was particularly “serious” because he committed these new offences just 28 days after being handed a three-year community order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for similar crimes in June 2024. In that instance, he had encouraged what he thought was a 14-year-old girl to have sex with a dog. Within days of that sentencing, he was back online, sending photos of his penis and attempting to arrange sexual meetings, even offering to travel to the south of England to meet a child.
Sentencing and Dangerousness Classification
Bellwood pleaded guilty in November to seven new charges. For his “vile” actions in West Yorkshire, the court structured his sentence as follows:
- Two counts of attempting to incite a girl under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.
- Three offences of attempting to incite a girl under 16 to engage in penetrative sexual activity.
- Attempting sexual communication with a child under 16.
Judge Rose revoked the original community order and sentenced Bellwood for a total of ten offences. He emphasised that Bellwood lacks insight into his “behaviour” and cannot manage his sexual urges, officially labelling him a “dangerous individual” to the public.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Bellwood is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by West Yorkshire Police. His residency in Bradford and his history of “vicious” persistence in seeking out children remain under the most “serious” level of lifelong scrutiny.
As part of his sentencing:
- The Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) remains in place for life.
- He must sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- The six-year extension of the licence ensures he will be under strict supervision for a total of 10.5 years.
West Yorkshire Police emphasise that they work closely with community groups and digital forensic teams to identify predators who refuse to reform. Any attempt by Bellwood to access the internet or contact minors upon his release will result in his immediate recall to prison.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.