James Belam

A retired police officer from Chingford has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of sexual assaults on young girls that spanned over four decades. James Belam, aged 73, admitted to eight counts of assaulting girls under the age of 14, with the offences occurring between 1983 and 2015.

Belam, who had served as a police constable in Waltham Forest, began his attacks in the mid-1980s and continued until at least August 2015. The Metropolitan Police's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command launched an investigation following a report from one victim in August 2015, who disclosed the abuse she had suffered. This led to Belam's arrest and subsequent charges on 13 April 2016. As news of the investigation spread, additional victims came forward, accusing Belam of similar offences.

Belam pleaded guilty to the charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 4 November 2016. He was sentenced on 1 December 2016, receiving an eight-year custodial term. The court heard that Belam had exploited his position and continued his predatory behaviour for over 30 years, targeting vulnerable young girls.

Detective Inspector Stuart Cheek from the Metropolitan Police commented on the case, stating: 'This conviction shows that no matter when offences like this take place they will be investigated thoroughly and those responsible will be brought to justice. It is clear from his pattern of offending that Belam thought he could get away with the offences that spanned a period of three decades. He continued to sexually abuse young girls until his arrest. Thanks to the bravery of the victims coming forward, he now faces a lengthy jail term and will have to face up to his horrendous crimes.'

The NSPCC described Belam as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing', highlighting the devastating impact of his actions over more than three decades. The charity noted that Belam would have been fully aware of the harm he was causing but proceeded regardless. The Metropolitan Police confirmed there was no evidence of offences committed by Belam while on duty.

This case, reported by the East London and West Essex Guardian Series on 1 December 2016, underscores the long-term commitment to pursuing historical sexual abuse cases and the importance of victims speaking out.