Tom Bedworth

Tom is a community reporter at the Warrington Guardian. His entries include investigative work highlighting mistreatment of vulnerable people by a housing trust, as well as holding the police to account regarding abysmal conviction rates for sexual assault.

The investigation regarding the housing company saw Tom spend weeks talking to residents, getting to the bottom of their issues, and also holding the housing company to account throughout the rigorous investigation process. His story was later picked up by the BBC. In terms of the sexual assault conviction rate story, Tom spent weeks submitting FOIs to the relevant bodies, and then spoke with charities about what the low conviction rate meant for them, and for survivors of sexual assault in Warrington.

He raised his findings with relevant bodies, ensuring that those responsible were aware of the importance of gaining more convictions in cases of sexual assault.Perhaps Tom's biggest story is his coverage of the killing of Brianna Ghey, from vigils held in the aftermath of the teenager's death, to kickstarting a campaign in memory of her, Tom has covered Brianna's story from day one. Tom's coverage of Brianna's story was done with such care and sensitivity that he earned the trust of Brianna's mother, Esther, who gave him the first sit-down interview with any journalist in the country after her daughter's death.

Tom created the Peace in Mind campaign alongside Esther, as a tribute to Brianna - through his work on the campaign, Tom is showcasing the power of local newspapers, and why they still have a place within the heart of communities across the country. Tom's work on the Peace in Mind campaign has secured the support of Warrington Borough Council, Andy Carter MP, Charlotte Nichols MP, Warrington Wolves, and celebrities like Sam Smith and Boy George.