Paedophile Liberal Democrat councillor resigns from council triggering by-election

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

A paedophile Liberal Democrat councillor has resigned from a Gloucestershire council after being convicted of sexually assaulting a young girl.

Tewkesbury Borough Councillor Paul Ockelton, 60, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child under 13 by touching, Gloucester Crown Court heard.

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

He denied the accusation during an interview and said he had been tickling her tummy and brushing her hair.

The jury found him guilty of sexual assault on Friday, March 14. Ockelton has been released on bail and will be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on April 14.

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Richard Stanley (Cleeve West) said it was a “shocking and disturbing case” and the authority’s thoughts are with the victim.

“To be clear, Mr Ockelton withheld the fact that there were ongoing proceedings during his application process to stand as a councillor,” he said.

“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.

“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 what the council found out today is appalling.

“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,” he said.

“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.”
Gloucestershire Police said Ockelton was found guilty of sexually assaulting a child following a trial at Gloucester Crown Court last week.

“Paul Ockelton, aged 60 and of Innsworth, had denied a charge of sexually assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, contrary to Section 7 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003,” a spokesperson said.

“The court heard that Ockelton had touched the girl in November 2021, and that the intentional touching was sexual. At the time of the offence, he had sat her on his lap and was heard to ask her:

“Do you like this?” while carrying out the act.

“Later that evening she disclosed that Ockelton had touched her privates. Ockelton denied this and in interview said that he had been tickling her tummy and brushing her hair.
“However, a jury rejected his defence and found him guilty on Friday (14 March) following a four day trial. He has been released on bail and will be sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on

Monday 14 April.”

Due to the resignation a vacancy has arisen for the Innsworth ward and an election will be held on May 1.

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk