Former Sunderland councillor Thomas Wright jailed for more than 15 years for sex attacks

Thomas Wright, who was Labour councillor for the city’s Pennywell ward for 18 years, committed vile acts involving four children under the age of 16.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the now 67-year-old targeted both male and female children between 1968 and 1982.

One of his victims spoke out about his ordeal at the time and although Wright was spoken to by the authorities, no action was taken against him.

Judge Stephen Earl has now jailed Wright for a total of 15 years and four months, with lifelong sex offender registration and sexual harm prevention order.

The judge said society has to now bear some "shame" for the way victims of abuse were treated in the past and added: "Mr Wright, on his own admissions, was interviewed.

"It would appear no action was taken.

"This is somewhat regrettable. Now, such matters would be fully investigated."

Judge Earl told the court: "As a society, we must share some shame for failing to recognise and act appropriately on such complaints at the time."

Judge Earl said Wright's "role in public life is not only tarnished but trampled in the dust".

The judge said Wright had led a "productive life" after the years of offending but added: "Perhaps, because he recognised what he had done and wanted to atone for the offences that took place before that."

Christopher Rose, prosecuting told the court at the last hearing that the offences involved Wright making his victims perform a sex act on him and sexual activity.

Mr Rose described one victim's experience in which Wright taunted her with a teddy bear called Andy, who she was allowed to play with only if she did as she was told.

Two of Wright's victims bravely faced their abuser and impact statements to the court in person at the previous hearing.

One victim said: "From a very young age I have known you to be a child sexual predator.

"From the moment you told me not to tell anyone, otherwise we would both get into trouble, I have had to carry that burden for 50 years.

"You robbed me of ever having children as I feared, wrongly in my case, that the abused would become the abuser.

"I was too young to make sense of what you were doing to me at the time.

"I grew up living in confusion and emotional pain."

He said Wright had committed "evil and despicable acts" and that he had robbed him of the chance to tell the court and the wider world his truth.

He added: "I now hope that the world will see you as you truly are - a horrific paedophile - and others who have been abused will find the courage to come forward and tell their truth."

Another victim said: "I know I have hidden myself behind this mask for a long time, 30 plus years since my abuse.

"I wanted to come forward about the abuse by Tommy Wright but I felt no-one would believe me.

"For years I thought no-one would believe me.

"I was afraid of men, I couldn't trust them and this ruined my relationship with my father.

"I commend him for pleading guilty which means we, his victims, don't have to go through the trauma of a trial."

Mr Rose read two other victim impact statements out to the court.

One victim said: "I have never been able to talk about the abuse with anyone. I was so ashamed.

"I was trying to suppress the guilt.

"I was feeling worthless and unloveable."

Another victim said: "When I was younger this abuse made me fearful of men.

"I felt vulnerable. I feel there should be justice done.

"I am so glad I have had this opportunity to tell what happened to me and get Tommy Wright the punishment he deserves."

Wright, of First Street, Consett, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault against a male, two counts of indecent assault against a female and three counts of committing serious sexual offences against a male.

Liam O'Brien, defending, said offences were committed when Wright was between the ages of 15 and 29 and asked the judge to consider the lack of maturity he would have had when he was younger.

He said that Wright had served his local community, as a Labour councillor for 18 years and as chairman of the Tyne and Wear Fire Authority.

Mr O'Brien said Wright is morbidly obese, uses crutches and has had back and heart problems "the effect of all of this is that he struggles with his day to day life."

He asked the judge to consider the impact of the defendant's incarceration on his family and said: "He has created the situation and he deserves to be punished but they do not."