Michael Colin Bell

A Salisbury man, Michael Colin Bell, has been imprisoned following his guilty plea to a series of sexual offences against young boys. The 72-year-old, known as Colin, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court where he was sentenced on 8 June 2025 for crimes that spanned decades, with the earliest offence dating back to 1994.

Bell, residing at Pinewood Way in Bemerton Heath, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault, two counts of sexual assault, and two counts of gross indecency. These acts were perpetrated against young boys, exploiting positions of trust in some instances. The case came to light after the first report was made to Wiltshire Police in 2022, prompting a thorough investigation that lasted four years.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard powerful victim impact statements that underscored the profound and lasting trauma inflicted by Bell's actions. One victim recounted the daily struggle with flashbacks and a sense of ownership by the abuser: 'There is not a day I don’t think about what happened to me. If I am not busy, I have flashbacks and I am back to being abused, like it is still happening to me. I still feel like he owns me and I am his trophy.' This victim also described physical manifestations of the trauma, including aversion to touch and sleeping with a pillow between their legs to avoid discomfort.

• Another victim highlighted the betrayal by a trusted family friend: 'The person who did this to me was a trusted family friend – someone I was told I could count on, someone who was meant to protect me. Instead, he betrayed that trust in the most painful way.' They spoke of enduring self-doubt and shame that lingered for years.
• A third victim detailed diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and severe anxiety, resulting in panic attacks and intrusive memories: 'There are times when I cannot relax, even in the safety of my own home. Memories intrude unexpectedly – triggered by sounds, smells, or even certain words.'

Investigating officer Sergeant Myles Scott of Wiltshire Police commended the victims' courage: 'I am really glad that Colin Bell has finally been held to account for the abhorrent actions he chose to commit against children. This case shows that if you commit offences, they will eventually catch up with you – no matter your age or how long ago they occurred.' Scott also expressed hope that the sentence would aid the victims in rebuilding their lives and encourage others to come forward.

Bell was sentenced to six years and four months in prison and must register as a sex offender for life. The case, reported via Wiltshire 999s, highlights the persistent pursuit of justice in historical sexual abuse matters.