LOUIS CAMPION FROM BOURNEMOUTH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BOURNEMOUTH

In November 2009, a young man from Bournemouth was handed a significant custodial sentence after being convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Louis Campion, aged 19 and residing on Jefferson Avenue in Bournemouth, was found guilty of a serious offence involving a 13-year-old girl. The incident took place in Bournemouth, where Campion had met the young girl along with two of her friends on Holdenhurst Road.

According to court proceedings, Campion invited the girls back to his flat, accompanied by two other men. Once inside, the girls were offered alcohol, specifically vodka, which they consumed in considerable quantities. The court heard that the victim, who was nearly 14 at the time, entered a bedroom with Campion. When he made a move towards her, she initially ran out of the flat but was persuaded to return by Campion. It was confirmed that there were no physical injuries sustained during the encounter.

During police interviews, Campion, who is originally from Gambia, admitted that he had invited the girls to his flat. He also acknowledged that the victim was intoxicated and that he himself had been under the influence of alcohol at the time. Importantly, he believed the girls were 16 years old, which was a mistaken assumption. Prosecutor David Bartlett emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “The aggravating feature is that Mr. Campion plied this girl with drink. Young girls like her still need to be protected by the law even when they do unwise things.”

In his defense, Campion expressed remorse, admitting that he had made an “enormous mistake” and noting that he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. The court was informed that the victim was sexually experienced and that her primary concern was the possibility of being grounded by her mother. Despite the seriousness of the offence, Campion was described as a “hard-working young man” who had deferred a university place pending the outcome of the case.

Judge Samuel Wiggs delivered the sentence, stating, “I have come to the conclusion that I cannot justify a sentence which is not immediate custody.” As part of his punishment, Campion was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was prohibited from working with children. The case underscores the importance of protecting minors from exploitation and highlights the legal consequences faced by those who breach these protections in Bournemouth.