SWADLINCOTE BUILDER JACK WRIGHT ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ENCOUNTER WITH 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN DERBYSHIRE

In May 2017, a serious case involving a builder from Derbyshire, Jack Wright, unfolded in which he engaged in inappropriate sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. Despite the gravity of his actions, Wright was able to avoid imprisonment, though he was subjected to a series of strict community-based penalties.

Wright, a resident of Swadlincote, met the young girl at a local pub. During their interaction, she initiated physical contact by stroking his leg, which Wright reportedly found flattering. This initial encounter marked the beginning of a troubling series of exchanges between the two.

Following their meeting, the pair began communicating via text messages. In these messages, Wright disclosed to the girl that his relationship with his partner was not active, revealing personal details about his emotional state and relationship status. The communication escalated, culminating in the two arranging to meet at a private residence. It was at this location that they engaged in sexual activity.

The victim, who suffers from depression, confided in a school friend about what had transpired between her and Wright. The friend, in turn, informed a school authority, which led to police involvement. Law enforcement officials questioned Wright, who fully admitted to his actions. Subsequently, he was charged and pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child.

During the court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, held within the Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that since the incident, Wright had become a father and had ceased smoking cannabis. Despite these personal developments, the court emphasized the seriousness of his misconduct.

Recorder Andrew Easteal sentenced Wright to a three-year community order. In his remarks, the judge stated, “You had sex with a 14-year-old girl and there’s absolutely no excuses whatsoever. You are an adult, she was a child, and the laws are there not just to protect children from adults but also from themselves. At 14, all of us think we know everything, but we don’t, and you exploited that for your own advantage because things were not working out for you with your partner and this was excitement.”

Prosecutor Sonal Ahya outlined the details of the case, noting that Wright, of Guilford Avenue, Swadlincote, was in the pub with the girl when she began to stroke his leg. She added, “He was flattered and they started exchanging text messages. He told her that he was very depressed at the time and he and his girlfriend were not having any sexual activity.”

In addition to the community order, the court mandated Wright to register as a sex offender for five years and imposed a sexual harm prevention order. He was also ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work. Furthermore, a curfew was imposed, restricting him to his home between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week, for a duration of six months. These measures aim to prevent any further contact or misconduct, emphasizing the court’s focus on rehabilitation and public safety.