GREGG CAMPBELL SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS FOR HISTORIC CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BEDLINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND
| Red Rose Database
Bedlington Sexual Abuser
In a significant case that has brought long-overdue justice, Gregg Campbell, a man from Bedlington, Northumberland, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for committing serious sexual offences against a young boy during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The disturbing crimes, which remained hidden for decades, only came to light in 2019 after the victim, now an adult, confided in a partner about the abuse he endured as a child.
Following this revelation, the victim decided to report the matter to the police, leading to Campbell's arrest. During police interviews, Campbell denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as false and accusing the victim of fabricating the story. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Campbell, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court to face charges of buggery and indecent assault. His conviction was secured after a trial, during which the court heard details of the abuse. Prosecutor Jessica Slaughter explained that Campbell’s contact with the victim was described as “coincidental,” and that there was a significant age difference between them at the time of the offences. The abuse reportedly began in a shed and escalated from there, causing lasting trauma.
The court was also informed that the victim had confided in a parent after experiencing bleeding, which was dismissed as a medical issue at the time. When the victim finally disclosed the abuse to police, Campbell attempted to discredit him by suggesting that the allegations were false, citing his reputation as a known homosexual within the community of Bedlington.
The impact of the abuse on the victim was profound. In a statement read to the court, he described how his life had been “ruined,” revealing that he turned to alcohol and drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine to cope with the trauma. The victim also struggled with gambling issues and questioned his own identity, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by Campbell’s actions.
Campbell’s defense lawyer, Richard Bloomfield, emphasized that his client had no previous convictions and maintained his innocence, asserting that Campbell still denied the allegations.
Judge Prince, delivering the sentence, expressed his condemnation of Campbell’s actions, stating that the victim had been “traumatised” and that he believed the victim thought the abuse was “normal.” The judge emphasized the severity of the offences and the lasting damage caused, leading to Campbell’s imprisonment for 17 years. Additionally, Campbell will be required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the future.
Following this revelation, the victim decided to report the matter to the police, leading to Campbell's arrest. During police interviews, Campbell denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as false and accusing the victim of fabricating the story. Despite his denials, the evidence presented in court proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Campbell, aged 54 at the time of sentencing, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court to face charges of buggery and indecent assault. His conviction was secured after a trial, during which the court heard details of the abuse. Prosecutor Jessica Slaughter explained that Campbell’s contact with the victim was described as “coincidental,” and that there was a significant age difference between them at the time of the offences. The abuse reportedly began in a shed and escalated from there, causing lasting trauma.
The court was also informed that the victim had confided in a parent after experiencing bleeding, which was dismissed as a medical issue at the time. When the victim finally disclosed the abuse to police, Campbell attempted to discredit him by suggesting that the allegations were false, citing his reputation as a known homosexual within the community of Bedlington.
The impact of the abuse on the victim was profound. In a statement read to the court, he described how his life had been “ruined,” revealing that he turned to alcohol and drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine to cope with the trauma. The victim also struggled with gambling issues and questioned his own identity, highlighting the deep psychological scars left by Campbell’s actions.
Campbell’s defense lawyer, Richard Bloomfield, emphasized that his client had no previous convictions and maintained his innocence, asserting that Campbell still denied the allegations.
Judge Prince, delivering the sentence, expressed his condemnation of Campbell’s actions, stating that the victim had been “traumatised” and that he believed the victim thought the abuse was “normal.” The judge emphasized the severity of the offences and the lasting damage caused, leading to Campbell’s imprisonment for 17 years. Additionally, Campbell will be required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct in the future.