KEVIN WRIGHT FROM GATESHEAD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In May 2014, Kevin Wright, a 35-year-old man from Cartmel Grove, Bensham, Gateshead, was given a seven-year prison sentence with a subsequent five-year licence period after admitting to a series of serious offences involving a 12-year-old girl. Wright had engaged in a pattern of grooming, which included sending her persistent and indecent text messages in which he professed love and discussed sexual activities he wanted to pursue with her. The offences, which took place during 2012 and 2013, escalated to a sexual relationship with the vulnerable girl, who had developed an infatuation with him.

Newcastle Crown Court heard details of the case, and Recorder Ben Nolan QC stated, “You groomed her by sending persistent and indecent texts. She’s a vulnerable child, so it’s little wonder she reacted positively.”

Wright faced additional charges, including one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three counts of sexual activity with a child, and one count of perverting the course of justice. The latter charge stemmed from Wright's attempt to persuade the girl to alter her statements to authorities. During the hearing, Nick Lane, defending Wright, said, “He’s expressed genuine remorse and he’s had significant time on remand to reflect.”