A former Liberal Democrat councillor has been found guilty of sexual assault after luring a woman he met online to his bedroom with the promise of showing her a 'cute teddy'. Thom Campion, 28, who previously served on Newcastle City Council, was convicted at Newcastle Magistrates' Court following an incident in March 2023.
Victim's account
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court that Campion pinned her down on the bed and touched her breast without consent. She said he then dragged her to the floor by her hair and forced his fingers into her mouth while calling her derogatory sexual names. In a video interview shown to the court, she explained: 'Thom said he wanted me to go upstairs to look at a teddy. I went into the bedroom and he basically threw me onto the bed and got on top of me. He's a lot stronger than me.' She added that she repeatedly said no and tried to resist, but Campion continued, saying 'It'll be hot' and that she would 'do as she was told.'
Court proceedings
Campion denied the charge, claiming the woman had consented and that she went upstairs willingly to see sexually explicit clothing he had ordered online. However, District Judge Paul Currer rejected this version of events, stating: 'She repeatedly told the defendant no when with him in the bedroom. Having listened with care to all the evidence, I'm sure the defendant engaged in these sexual acts without her consent.' The judge noted Campion's previous good character but ordered a probation report before sentencing. Campion was released on bail pending his sentencing hearing.
Political background
Campion was elected as a Liberal Democrat councillor for Newcastle in 2021. He later served as an independent before choosing not to seek re-election this year. The victim reported the assault after seeing Campion at Jesmond Market, realising he held a position of power.
