A SEX offender from the Isle of Man has been jailed for seven years.
Lewis Myles Bell, 24 from Laxey, was handed the prison sentence yesterday.
He was found guilty of four counts of gross indecency and four counts of indecent assault against two children and possessing an indecent image of a child. The offences involved two girls aged 12 and 14 at the time.
Acting Detective Sergeant Andrew Pailor, one of the investigating officers, said: "I am pleased with the sentence Mr Bell received, it reflects the serious nature of the case and the impact it had on the victims concerned.
"I wish to reassure the public that any information received by the police indicating targeting or abuse of children will be acted upon pro-actively and dealt with robustly. The Public Protection Unit is committed to protecting children from such people."
Mr Bell was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for an indefinite period of time and has had a Sex Offender Prevention Order imposed upon him. If he breaches either of these orders he will commit a new offence, for which he can be arrested and punished by a further term of imprisonment.
DS Pailor continued: "These orders will restrict Mr Bell's actions when he is released back into the community.”
Police have reminded the public to contact The Public Protection Unit Investigation Team at Police Headquarters if they suspect a child is at risk. The team can be contacted on 01624 631212 or by e-mail at dhapublicprotectionunit@gov.im. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
