Councillor found guilty of sexual assault of child

A councillor has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl.

Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Paul Ockelton, 60, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a child under 13 by touching when he appeared before Gloucester Crown Court.

The 60-year-old, from Innsworth, sat his victim on his lap and asked her "do you like this?" while he carried out the assault in November 2021, the court heard.

The former Liberal Democrat member told police he had been "brushing her hair" and "tickling her tummy" but a jury found him guilty of one count of sexual assault by touching.

He was convicted following a four-day trial at Gloucester Crown Court and was released on bail to be sentenced on 14 April.

Tewkesbury Borough Council's Liberal Democrat leader Richard Stanley said it was a "shocking and disturbing case" and the authority's thoughts were with the victim.

Mr Stanley said Ockleton had not mentioned the court case during his application process to stand as a councillor.

"As soon as I became aware that he was subject to a criminal court case, I took the steps that I was legally able to take, including urging him to resign as a councillor, which he refused," he added.

"I therefore suspended him from our political group so that he could be removed from all committees but wasn't free to take on roles as an independent councillor.

"As soon as the verdict was known, I expelled Mr Ockelton from the group, and I again urged him to resign from the authority, which he has now done."

Council Chief Executive Alistair Cunningham said the council found the case "appalling".

He added: "Whilst we were aware he was on trial, legally, as a council, we do not have the power to remove a councillor unless proven guilty and sentenced.

"On that basis, we were legally restricted in the action that could be taken while court proceedings were ongoing.

"However, the council took all steps it could to minimise any risk without causing prejudice.

"Safeguarding is of paramount importance to the council and we encourage anyone affected by such crimes to access help that is available."

Due to Ockleton's resignation an election for the Innsworth ward will be held on 1 May.

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