Former Newcastle city councillor Thom Campion has been spared jail after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a 'terrifying and completely unwanted' attack at his home in March 2023. The 28-year-old was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Friday.
Details of the assault
The court heard that Campion pinned the woman on a bed, forcefully kissed her on the mouth as she tried to turn her head away, and touched her breast without consent. He also called her derogatory names, dragged her to the floor by her hair, and forced his fingers into her mouth during the assault at his home in Warkworth Woods, on Newcastle's Great Park estate.
District Judge Paul Currer described the incident as a 'terrifying and completely unwanted' attack. Campion had denied the charge of sexual assault, claiming during his trial that the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had consented to all sexual activity. He was found guilty last month.
Sentencing remarks
At the sentencing hearing, District Judge Currer said Campion had 'behaved selfishly and with nothing else in your mind other than achieving your own sexual gratification'. He added: 'You simply ignored her telling you “no”.' The judge noted that the starting point for the sentence was 12 months imprisonment, but reduced it due to Campion's lack of previous convictions and otherwise good character.
Victim impact
Prosecutor Paul Doney read a victim impact statement describing how the attack had an ongoing impact on the woman's daily life, causing her mental health to deteriorate and leaving her with difficulty going into public places. She felt 'violated' and said Campion's not guilty plea 'showed his cowardice, lack of remorse, and inability to take responsibility and accountability for the harm he has caused'.
Defence mitigation
Neil Douglas, representing Campion, told the court that the defendant was of previous good character and could safely be managed in the community. The judge accepted this, imposing a suspended sentence with conditions.
Sentence conditions
Campion was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, attend 10 rehabilitation days, pay prosecution costs of £650, and is subject to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim for two years. He must also sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Political background
Campion was elected to Newcastle City Council in 2021, originally as a Liberal Democrat. He later sat as an independent but did not stand for re-election in the May local elections.
