Crime & Safety

Harrison Man Gets 10 Years For Attacking Port Chester Woman

A judge convicted Andrew Belle, 32, of four felony counts including sexual abuse and assault for the incident, which took place last summer.

Andrew Belle's victim was on her way to work at 6 a.m. last August when he brutally attacked and sexually abused her near the Port Chester Train Station.

Today a Westchester judge ordered Bell to spend the next 10 years in state prison to pay for his crime. The judge found the 32-year-old Harrison man guilty of four felony counts; three for assault and another for sexual abuse. He was also convicted of one count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, a misdemeanor.

After completing his 10-year sentence Belle will be on post release supervision for an additional 10 years and will have to register as a sex offender.

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The attack took place on August 30, 2011, when Belle approached a female victim from behind, grabbing her breasts with both arms in front of 20 Grace Church Street in Port Chester, according to the county district attorney's office.

When the 36-year-old victim screamed for help, Belle, who lived on Francis Ave. in Harrison, covered her mouth and pinched her nostrils to prevent her from breathing. As the woman struggled, Belle smashed a beer bottle against her head, causing significant bleeding.

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Belle then sexually assaulted the woman, the release said.

When the woman screamed again, Belle dragged her to a nearby alley and slammed her head against a brick wall four times. 

Port Chester police said a village employee operating a street sweeper saw the attack and contacted police. The worker then made a u-turn to go back to the scene of the attack and got out of the sweeper to help the victim.

A woman walking just ahead of the victim also witnessed the attack and called police for help.

The village worker chased Belle and police caught up with him at a restaurant at 40 Grace Church St., where Belle was hiding by a refrigerator.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries and was able to meet with police that night to help with the investigation. The victim also testified in the trial.

Belle, who did not testify, maintained that he did not commit the crime.

Port Chester police said the incident was a lone occurence and was not connected with any other crimes in the area.

Belle was convicted of:

  • one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class “D” Felony,
  • two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, class “D” Felonies,
  • one count of Assault in the Third Degree, a class “E” Felony,
  • one count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, a class “A” Misdemeanor.

Second Deputy District Attorney Patricia Murphy, Chief of the Superior Court Trial Division, and Assistant District Attorney Joyce Miller of the Sex Crimes Bureau prosecuted the case.


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