A former member of staff who worked for North Tyneside Council's children's services has been jailed after admitting offences relating to sexual messages and indecent images involving children.
Sentence at Newcastle Crown Court
Mark Campbell, aged 52, was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court after being convicted following a police operation. Court details state he sent sexual messages to someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl; in fact the recipient was an undercover officer. Investigators also discovered indecent images of children on his devices.
Scale and nature of the images
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Category A (most serious) | 7 |
| Category B | 1 |
| Category C | 5 |
Impact on families and the council response
Campbell had been employed as a Family Time Supervisor, a role that involved facilitating contact sessions between children and their relatives. A father who used the service told local media he was horrified to learn Campbell had been in the room supervising while his children were bathed or their nappies changed.
"He was in a position of trust. He used to come and sit in people's houses around their children and their families,"
The man, who did not want to be named, said he received a letter from the council informing him of the conviction. The council's correspondence, viewed by local reporters, included an apology which said in part that they were sorry many families learned of the news via press reports rather than directly from the authority.
Practical details and safeguarding steps
It is understood Campbell was suspended when the allegations came to light and has since been dismissed by the council. The sentencing follows a police investigation that led to his arrest, charge and subsequent conviction.
For families concerned about past contact arrangements or needing support, the council and local safeguarding partners are the appropriate points of contact. If you are a parent or carer affected by this case and require guidance, contact North Tyneside Council's children's services or the local safeguarding team for advice on next steps.
- Offender: Mark Campbell, 52
- Role: Family Time Supervisor, North Tyneside Council (dismissed)
- Sentence: 18 months imprisonment
This conviction will raise fresh questions about vetting and supervision of staff who work directly with children in contact settings. Local families and elected members will expect clarity on whether existing safeguarding checks and monitoring were adequate and what further measures will be taken to restore confidence in the service.
