Victims of child sex attacker Thomas Wright praised for bravery after suffering 'appalling and abhorrent abuse'

Wright, 67, is behind bars after being convicted of sexually assaulting four children aged between 4 and 15.

He admitted to five cases of indecent assault and a further three counts of sexual assault at Newcastle Crown Court and a judge sentenced him to 15 years and four months behind bars.

His historic offending came to light in November 2017 when one of his victims contacted police after seeing other high-profile paedophile cases in the news.

Detective Constable Julie Wyness, of Northumbria Police, praised the victims for their incredible bravery throughout the investigation and said Wright’s conviction sends out a strong message to communities.

She said: “The bravery that each of Wright’s victims showed is incredible and I sincerely hope his conviction can help bring them some kind of closure.

“They have all carried this burden with them for decades knowing they were subjected to appalling and abhorrent abuse by Wright. Today, their attacker is behind bars and that is testament to their strength and bravery to come forward and contact police.”

She added: “Wright was in a position of trust – and he selfishly abused that trust for his own sexual gratification. His behaviour has caused a huge amount of hurt, distress and anguish to so many people.

“He now must face the consequences of his very serious offending, and I hope today’s outcome helps give other victims, suffering in silence, the courage to come forward.

“We would always encourage any victim of rape or sexual assault, whether recent or historic, to get in touch. Our specialist officers are here to listen and support you – and we are committed to bringing offenders to justice.”

Claire Brinton, of CPS North East, said: “Over the course of his offending, Thomas Wright actively preyed on young children in the selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification.

“His victims have spoken of the long-term emotional and psychological damage that Wright’s actions have caused them, with some still struggling to come to terms with these terrifying events decades later. This case clearly illustrates the importance of investigating and prosecuting non-recent sexual offences.

“I would like to thank Northumbria Police for their comprehensive investigation into these offences. With the evidence they have secured, the Crown Prosecution Service has been able to build a very robust case against Thomas Wright. This has left him little option but to plead guilty to all charges, sparing his victims the further ordeal of a lengthy trial.

“We sincerely hope that all of those affected by the abuse they suffered at the hands of Thomas Wright can take some measure of comfort in the custodial sentence passed on him today.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website. In an emergency, call 999.

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline, contact 0333 344 8283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.