BRYAN WRIGHT FROM WOOTON UNDER EDGE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AT BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SCOUT CAMP

In a case that has spanned decades, Bryan Wright, a man originally from Wooton under Edge, has been sentenced to over two years in prison for his involvement in sexual assault crimes committed during the 1980s at a scout camp in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire. The conviction follows a thorough investigation conducted by Thames Valley Police, which uncovered disturbing allegations against Wright, now aged 76, who resided on Underhill Road, Charfield, Gloucestershire.

Wright was first arrested on suspicion of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16 on May 22, 2013. Subsequently, he was formally charged with three counts of indecent assault on a minor under 16, with the charges brought on April 28 of this year. The offences in question occurred at Chalfont Heights Scout Camp, a well-known location for youth activities, between August 1, 1984, and August 31, 1985. During this period, Wright was employed as a camp warden, a position that he exploited to commit these heinous acts.

The charges relate to two victims who came forward with allegations of abuse. Wright was found guilty on three counts, receiving a sentence of 27 months’ imprisonment for each of the first two counts, and a 12-month sentence for the third. All sentences are to be served concurrently, meaning he will serve the combined sentence in a single period of detention.

One of the victims expressed a sense of relief with the outcome, stating that they were “satisfied” with the sentence. However, they also remarked that “the memory of Wright will stay with me forever,” highlighting the lasting trauma inflicted by the abuse.

Detective Constable Carolyn Bailey, who leads the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, commented on the case: “I am pleased with the sentence given to Wright. I hope Wright’s sentence will bring some closure to his victims, who showed bravery and courage in coming forward. Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult period.” She emphasized that initially, the victims feared they would not be believed after so many years, but the case demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to listening to and acting on allegations of abuse, regardless of the elapsed time.

Bailey added, “This case is evidence that the Force and Crown Prosecution Service can successfully bring offenders to justice even after a significant period of time has passed.”

Adrian Foster, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, highlighted the importance of the case: “Wright was employed by the Scout Association as a Scout Camp Warden from 1970 to 1989. He exploited his position to prey on young boys for his own sexual gratification. It is only due to the courage of the victims that this despicable behavior has been exposed. I commend their strength and perseverance in coming forward.”

Foster also noted that Wright recognized the strength of the evidence against him, leading him to plead guilty on September 3, 2014, at Aylesbury Crown Court. His guilty plea spared the victims the trauma of reliving their experiences through a trial. Foster emphasized that the sentence sends a clear message: victims or witnesses of such crimes should come forward, as justice is possible regardless of how much time has passed. He reaffirmed the CPS’s commitment to working with police to ensure offenders are held accountable.

Finally, Foster expressed his sympathies for the victims and their families, stating, “The emotional impact of Wright’s actions is impossible to quantify. I hope that the conviction and sentence provide some measure of comfort to those affected. Our thoughts are very much with them during this difficult time.”