Bell, Mary (c. 1957–)

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Bell, Mary (c. 1957–)

Convicted murderer at age 11. Name variations: Mary Flora Bell. Born c. 1957.

At age 11, was among the 1,200 children questioned after 4-year-old Martin Brown and 3-year-old Brian Howe were found dead in Newcastle (1968); during questioning, accused 13-year-old Norma Joyce Bell (no relation) of strangling Brian Howe, while Norma accused her in return; arrested with Norma (Aug 5, 1968), was charged with Howe's murder; at trial, found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to life detention (Dec 1968), while Norma was acquitted; at 20, made 3-day getaway from Moor Court open prison (Sept 1977); released from prison (1980).

See also Gitta Sereny, Cries Unheard: The Story of Mary Bell (Macmillan, 1998).