Lawyer blames drug for disturbing behaviour: Paralympian ‘stalker’

By Michelle Herbison
A LOCAL world champion Paralympic swimmer trespassed into women’s bedrooms, stripped and ejaculated on bed sheets, a court has heard.
Daniel Bell OAM, 28, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates Court this week to charges relating to trespass and stalking.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jackie Davis said on December 12, 2011, Bell “forced entry” to a woman’s house and “left a seminal stain on the sheet on the victim’s bed”.
On January 11, 2012 at 5.10am Bell let himself into a victim’s bedroom while she was out.
“He rummaged through her property before taking off his clothes and entering her bed,” Snr Const Davis said.
A man entered the room to find Bell naked, who then “grabbed his clothes and left”.
The court heard victims felt “freaked out”, “scared to stay home alone”, had nightmares and repeatedly worried “what could’ve happened” if they were home during the incidents.
A doctor’s report identified Bell as having high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD and “obsessive behaviours”.
His defence lawyer said Bell was reacting to a generic-brand drug after a doctor prescribed a brand-name version.
“He was hearing voices and… was no longer in control of himself. Despite Mr Bell’s lifelong difficulties and psychological problems he has only recently crossed into criminal activity.”
Bell’s defence said he was visiting a psychiatrist monthly.
His Asperger’s caused him to “not appreciate the enormity of his actions” until “education” made him feel “remorse”.
“Those who live with him say he’s gone through a period of self-loathing,” Bell’s lawyer said.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan called Bell’s case “complex”.
“You mightn’t understand the impact of your behaviour on your victims but I think it’s clear you understand the difference between right and wrong,” he said.
Mr Coghlan sentenced Bell to an 18-month community corrections order.