UNIVERSITY TUTOR REPEATEDLY TRIED TO KISS STUDENT ON LIPS IN NEWCASTLE CITY CENTRE BAR
Arrian Cornwell, an employee at Northumbria University, made multiple attempts to kiss a male patron in a Newcastle city centre bar, disregarding repeated warnings not to do so.A former university lecturer faced disciplinary action and was convicted after he forcibly tried to kiss a male individual at Alfie’s Bar.
At the time, Cornwell was employed by Northumbria University when he engaged in this inappropriate behaviour.
The 34-year-old man seized the victim’s face three times and aimed to kiss him, even pressing his mouth to the victim’s despite being told to stop.
Following the incident, the victim reported the matter to the university, prompting an investigation that included police involvement.
Residing on Victoria Avenue in Whitley Bay, Cornwell lost his job and later appeared in Newcastle Magistrates' Court, where he admitted to sexual assault charges.
Prosecutor Chike Anieto stated that the offence occurred on a night in October of the previous year.
Mr Anieto said CCTV captured Cornwell grabbing the victim's face and trying to kiss him three times.
"The complainant tried to stop him," Mr Anieto continued.
"On the defendant's third attempt to kiss him he managed to get his mouth on the victim's mouth, making contact.
Following this, the victim reported the matter to the university.
"There was an investigation and the defendant is no longer at the university.
He made no comment in police interview and refused to watch the CCTV footage." District Judge Kate Meek decided she needed a pre-sentence report to finalise the case and said she'd hear Cornwell's mitigation at the next hearing.
The judge said: "I am adjourning this until June 23 and I'm releasing you on bail.
The fact you are bailed means you have a duty to attend and, if you don't, it's likely a warrant will be issued for your arrest, an absconding charge will be laid against you and the case could go ahead in your absence." Cornwell was released on conditional bail, where he must not contact the victim, must maintain a correspondence address and co-operate with the Probation Service.
