Mark Campbell, a 52-year-old veteran who worked in children's services at North Tyneside Council, has been jailed for 18 months after being snared in an undercover police sting operation. He believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl online.
Details of the Offences
Campbell, of Telford Close, Backworth, North Tyneside, pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a girl aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. He also admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children. Newcastle Crown Court heard that Campbell asked the supposed 13-year-old for a picture of her private parts and sent her an image of his penis, telling her he did not care about their age difference but they would have to be “discreet and careful”.
Indecent Images Found
When police searched his address, they seized two mobile phones containing indecent images of children aged between six months and 10 years. The devices held seven category A images (the most serious), one category B image, and five category C images.
Employment at North Tyneside Council
Campbell had been employed in children's services at North Tyneside Council. He was suspended when the allegations emerged and has since been dismissed. Rebecca Wall, Director of Children’s Services at North Tyneside Council, said: “We are sorry that some families learned about this matter online rather than hearing from us directly. We completely understand the worry, upset, and frustration this may have caused, and we would like to offer our sincere apologies.” She added that the council took immediate steps to contact families and provide reassurance and support.
Defence and Sentencing
Jane Foley, defending, told the court that Campbell was a lonely individual with mental health difficulties, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following his time in the Army. He left the armed forces in 1993. Recorder Matthew Rose sentenced Campbell to 18 months in prison, along with a sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements for 10 years.
