19th April 2026
A former local councillor has been jailed after a court found him guilty of sexually assaulting a young girl, in a case described as “shocking and disturbing” by political colleagues and police alike.
Paul Ockelton, a former Liberal Democrat representative for Innsworth on Tewkesbury Borough Council, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a child under the age of 13.
The offence took place in November 2021. During a four-day trial held in March, the court heard how Ockelton sat the young girl on his lap and asked her, “do you like this?” while carrying out the assault.
Ockelton denied any wrongdoing, claiming he had simply been tickling the child’s stomach and brushing her hair. However, the jury rejected his account and found him guilty.
In addition to his prison sentence, he has been placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
The victim’s mother gave a powerful statement in court, describing the lasting impact on her daughter. She said: “I am saddened that my daughter’s wellbeing and confidence has been so badly shattered by his actions. No-one has the right to touch my daughter and it is something that will affect her for the rest of her life.”
Detective Sergeant Grace Craddock of Gloucestershire Police praised the bravery of the young victim and her family. She said the child had shown “unbelievable courage” in coming forward and that her family’s support had been vital in securing a conviction.
Reacting to the case, Richard Stanley, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Tewkesbury Borough Council, described it as a “shocking and disturbing case” and said the council’s thoughts were with the victim and her family.
He also confirmed that Ockelton had failed to disclose ongoing proceedings when applying to stand as a councillor.
The case has raised serious concerns about safeguarding and vetting processes, as well as the lasting impact such crimes have on victims and their families.
