Northumbria University Tutor Sexually Assaulted Student

A Northumbria University tutor lost his job and gained a criminal record after repeatedly trying to kiss a student.

Arrian Cornwell, 34, of Victoria Avenue, Whitley Bay, admitted an offence of sexual assault when he appeared recently at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.

Sexual assault is an offence under section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. It has a maximum sentence of 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment; 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.

District Judge Kate Meek was told that the academic assaulted the student at Alfie's Bar, just a stone's throw away from the university's Faculty of Business and Law where he worked, during an evening in October 2024.

The persistent 34-year-old was repeatedly rebuffed by the complainant, but grabbed his face and managed to plant a kiss on his lips at the third time of trying.

Cornwell's conduct was reported to the university, which launched an internal investigation and referred the matter to the police. He was subsequently dismissed from his employment.

DJ Meek ordered a pre-sentence report.

Cornwell was granted bail until his sentencing on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026.

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