RUSHDEN PAEDOPHILE KEITH WRIGHT SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL ACT IN FRONT OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rushden, Keith Wright, aged 52, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after committing a heinous sexual act in the presence of a young girl under his care. The incident took place in February 2020, just a few months after Wright’s previous period of registration on the Sex Offenders’ Register had expired, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of monitoring and the potential risks posed by repeat offenders.

According to court records, Wright, who was formerly residing on Pemberton Street in Rushden, engaged in this criminal behavior while the girl, only five years old, was under his supervision. The court heard that the offence was particularly egregious given the vulnerability of the victim and the trust placed in Wright as a caregiver. The case drew significant attention due to Wright’s prior history, which included a 2014 conviction for possessing over 700 indecent images of children. This previous conviction had led to a court order requiring him to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to prevent further harm.

However, the recent offence occurred shortly after this order had expired, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of the current system. As part of his sentence, Wright will now be required to remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for a full decade. Additionally, he will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the same period, restricting his activities and contact with minors to prevent any future offences.

Detective Constable Mark Allbright, who led the investigation on behalf of Northamptonshire Police, expressed his views on the case. He stated, “Wright wilfully subjected the victim and her family to a full trial as he maintained a not guilty plea throughout. The trial caused ongoing emotional harm to the victim and her family who remained incredibly strong throughout.”

He further described the emotional toll on the victim’s family, noting that “the mother of the victim broke down in tears while delivering her victim personal statement to the court. The family have told me that their overriding feeling is of relief that Wright will now not have the opportunity to abuse other children.”

Wright’s sentencing marks a significant step in addressing the serious concerns surrounding child protection and the management of convicted offenders in the Rushden area. The community and authorities alike hope that such measures will serve as a deterrent and ensure greater safety for vulnerable children in the future.