Ricky Bellion

In 1984, at the age of 19, Ricky Bellion targeted a 10-year-old girl named Lisa Robinson at St James' swimming baths in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Over the course of a year, he meticulously groomed her, building trust by consistently appearing at the pool during her sessions and presenting himself as a friendly swimming companion. This calculated manipulation led to the first rape when Lisa was just 11 years old, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of sexual abuse.

The abuse continued relentlessly for the next six years, with Bellion raping Lisa approximately 30 times. He exploited her isolation, pursuing her when she was out on her bike or waiting outside her home, embedding secrecy and manipulation to prevent her from seeking help. Lisa, who came from a normal family and was described as confident, mature, and sensible, became withdrawn and shy as a result of the trauma. Bellion's actions were so insidious that Lisa initially believed their interactions were normal, only later realising the extent of the grooming and abuse in her twenties through counselling.

Bellion's criminal history included prior convictions for sexual assault against other children and a six-month sentence for a separate child abuse charge when he was in his early twenties, during which time the abuse temporarily paused, allowing Lisa some respite to socialise. Despite this, he resumed his predatory behaviour upon release. In addition to the charges related to Lisa, Bellion was sentenced for a conviction of buggery against another woman, highlighting a pattern of sexual offending.

The case came to light in 2019 after Lisa, then 51 and working in healthcare, suffered a breakdown and reported the abuse to the police via an online form. Bellion was arrested in December 2019. After denying all charges, he stood trial at Sheffield Crown Court in November 2024, where he was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and four counts of rape. Judge Peter Hampton noted that the rape counts encompassed up to 30 incidents. Sentencing occurred in February 2025, with Bellion receiving 22 years' imprisonment, a one-year extended licence period, and a restraining order protecting both Lisa and the other victim.

Lisa reflected on the ordeal, stating, 'He groomed me so carefully that I thought everything was normal. I had no idea, not even when I started lying about where I'd been.' She emphasised the intentional planning behind the abuse and encouraged other victims to speak out, noting, 'My story shows that it can happen to anyone.' The conviction brought her a sense of freedom after decades of trauma, including breakdowns in 2011 and 2018.