LABOUR COUNCILLOR THOMAS WRIGHT FROM SUNDERLAND JAILED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN

A former Labour councillor from Sunderland, Thomas Wright, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of committing a series of heinous sexual offenses against children spanning over a decade. The crimes, which took place between 1968 and 1982, involved four young victims aged between four and 15 years old. Notably, two of these assaults occurred while Wright was actively volunteering with the Sunderland Sea Cadets, a youth organization that is supposed to promote discipline and trust.

Thomas Wright, now 67 years old and residing on First Street in Consett, admitted to eight historical sexual offenses during a court hearing at Newcastle Crown Court. His plea came after a thorough investigation into allegations that had remained hidden for decades. The court heard that Wright's actions included five counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault, all of which he pleaded guilty to. The judge, in delivering the sentence, emphasized that under current legislation, some of these offenses would be classified as rape, but due to the laws in effect at the time of the crimes, he was sentenced accordingly.

Wright's criminal conduct was uncovered in 2017 when one of his victims, motivated by the publicity surrounding recent high-profile cases of sexual abuse, came forward to police. This initial report prompted a wider investigation, during which detectives identified and interviewed three additional victims who reported similar experiences of abuse at Wright's hands. The police, led by Detective Constable Julie Wyness of Northumbria Police, commended the victims for their extraordinary bravery in coming forward after so many years. She stated, “They have all carried this burden with them for decades knowing they were subjected to appalling and abhorrent abuse.”

Wyness further explained that Wright, in his role with the Sea Cadets, was entrusted with the care and supervision of young people, a position he exploited for his own sexual gratification. The impact of his actions has caused profound hurt, distress, and anguish among the victims and their families. The court also ordered Wright to sign the Sex Offenders' Register, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities following his release from prison. His sentence of 15 years and four months reflects the severity of his crimes and the lasting damage inflicted upon his victims.