PHILIPSBURG:--- Former acting head of Pointe Blanche Prison Aartwich Bell has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after the Court of First Instance found him guilty on three counts involving repeated sexual abuse of a minor.
The Court delivered the judgment on October 22, 2026. The prosecution had requested a 12-year prison sentence.
In determining the punishment, the Court emphasized the seriousness and prolonged nature of Bell’s offenses, his grave abuse of trust and his failure to take responsibility for his actions.
The Court concluded that the proven offenses warranted a substantial, unconditional prison sentence. It considered sentencing guidelines and judgments in comparable cases before imposing the 10-year term.
Although Bell had no previous criminal convictions, the Court did not consider that sufficient grounds for a reduced sentence. It explained that previous convictions for similar offenses would instead have been an aggravating factor.
The Court also imposed a Cg 50,000 compensation order, plus statutory interest. The judgment provides for 225 days of substitute detention if payment or recovery fails, while expressly maintaining Bell’s obligation to pay.
According to the accompanying press release, Bell was arrested by the National Detectives on February 2, 2026, and has remained in custody. The court will deduct time spent in pre-trial detention from his sentence.
