Police Praise Victims After Predatory "Santa" Convicted of Sexual Assault

Police have praised the victims of a predatory pervert after he was convicted of sexually assaulting two women.

Raymond Finn, who worked as a festive entertainer in December 2018, preyed on his adult victims while playing the role of Santa Claus. He was immediately dismissed from the job and reported to police.

Northumbria Police's safeguarding unit launched an investigation, leading to Finn's arrest. The 71-year-old denied the allegations, but a jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted him of three counts of sexual assault in May.

The court heard that Finn had "smacked the bum" of one victim and pushed his groin into her. He then attempted to pull 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 closure for the victims and warned that such behavior is unacceptable.

"Finn is a predator who thought it was acceptable to sexually touch women without their consent," said Det Con Cox. "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 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 have to register as a sex offender for seven years.