RAYMOND FINN SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS

RAYMOND FINN SENTENCED IN NEWCASTLE FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS

Police have commended the victims of Raymond Finn, after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women.

Finn, who worked as a festive entertainer dressed as Santa Claus in December 2018, targeted adult women during his role.

Upon learning of the allegations, Finn was promptly dismissed from his position, and the police were notified.

Northumbria Police’s safeguarding unit launched an investigation, leading to Finn’s arrest.

The 71-year-old denied the charges, but in May, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted him on three counts of sexual assault.

The court was informed that Finn 'smacked the bum' of one victim and pushed his groin into her, then attempted to press his body against the second victim.

On Wednesday, Finn was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Detective Constable Frank Cox, who led the investigation, expressed hope that the conviction would provide some closure for the victims and emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable.

He stated, “Finn is a predator who thought it was acceptable to sexually touch women without their consent.

It is simply not acceptable and we will take action to put such offenders before the courts.

At no point has Finn shown any remorse for what he has done.

But with thanks to the victims for speaking out, he has been convicted of his actions.” Finn, of Brentwood Avenue, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, was also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and will be required to register as a sex offender for seven years.