JOHN WRIGHT OF BALDERSTONE ROCHDALE SENTENCED FOR HISTORIC SEXUAL ABUSE IN LONDON'S APPEAL COURT

In a case that has spanned several years and involved multiple victims, John Wright, a 68-year-old resident of Hornets Close in Balderstone, Rochdale, has faced significant legal repercussions for his heinous crimes. The proceedings, which culminated at London's Appeal Court, revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse directed at three young men, with Wright carefully orchestrating his actions over a prolonged period.

Wright's criminal history includes a conviction in 2012, when he was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of sexual offenses. During that trial, it was established that from 1997 to 2009, he systematically befriended three boys aged between 12 and 16. He exploited their vulnerabilities by showering them with gifts, including cars, motorbikes, cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis, creating a false sense of trust and dependency.

The London Appeal Court heard that Wright's grooming involved not only material gifts but also manipulative tactics aimed at desensitizing his victims to his advances. The court was informed that he had paid one of his victims, Darren Kenny—who has since become a police officer—£2,000 to drop a complaint after an initial police investigation in 2004. This act underscored the calculated nature of Wright's abuse and his attempts to evade justice.

In 2012, Wright was convicted on multiple counts, including three counts of rape, 21 counts of indecent assault, one count of indecency with a child, and one count of perverting the course of justice. The court's findings painted a disturbing picture of a man who preyed on vulnerable young boys, exploiting their trust and innocence for his own gratification.

Earlier this year, Wright received an additional 18 months in prison for crimes committed against Darren Kenny, who courageously shared his childhood ordeal with the media, shedding light on the extent of Wright's predatory behavior.

During the recent appeal hearing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb listened as Wright pleaded for a reduction in his sentence. However, the judge dismissed his pleas, emphasizing that the original sentence was carefully calibrated, taking into account the severity and number of offenses. She stated, “This was a very careful sentencing exercise, taking into account all relevant matters. These offences were committed against three separate vulnerable young men, following lengthy grooming. No one sentence was too long, and the judge carefully took into account the issue of totality. This application is refused.”

In a rare move, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb ordered Wright to serve an additional 42 days behind bars, further emphasizing the court's stance on his conduct. The court also highlighted that Wright had been warned that his appeal was “unmeritorious,” and his attempts to challenge the sentence were deemed without merit.

Detective Constable Julianna Barker from the Public Protection Division expressed her satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Wright preyed on vulnerable young boys, they thought he was helping them, but instead took advantage of their situation to sexually abuse them. These men have been incredibly brave by helping us put Wright before the courts and have justice done for them. He will now spend a very long time in prison where he belongs, and I hope this sentence may be of some small comfort to his victims.”

Authorities continue to urge anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to come forward. Greater Manchester Police can be contacted at 101 or 999 in emergencies. The St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester offers comprehensive forensic, counseling, and medical services for victims of rape or sexual assault, available 24 hours a day, either through self-referral or via police assistance. The commitment to supporting victims remains a priority in the ongoing fight against sexual violence.