MARK WRIGHT FROM SOUTHPORT CAUGHT IN CHILD PORN AND GROOMING SCANDAL IN HAVANT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community, Mark Wright, a 21-year-old engineer from Southport, was found guilty of engaging in illegal activities involving a minor and possessing indecent images of children. The case unfolded after Wright's inappropriate online interactions with a 14-year-old girl, which eventually led to a physical meeting in Havant, Hampshire.

According to court proceedings, Wright first established contact with the young girl through the popular online game World of Warcraft when she was only 10 years old. Their communication continued over the years via MSN Messenger, during which Wright also downloaded a significant amount of child pornography onto his computer. The material he accessed was described as some of the most severe and disturbing types of indecent images and videos involving children.

Prosecutor Matthew Lawson detailed that Wright and the girl had maintained a 'virtual' friendship for several years. However, in August 2007, Wright took the step of traveling from Southport to Havant with the intent to meet her in person. He booked a hotel room for a week, during which he met the girl multiple times. Court reports indicate that on at least one occasion, they engaged in French kissing in the hotel room, an act that underscores the seriousness of his grooming behavior.

The relationship was exposed when the girl’s father discovered her meeting with Wright and subsequently contacted her school. This revelation prompted police intervention, leading to Wright’s arrest. When police officers visited his home, Wright did not deny the contact; instead, he immediately admitted to the police that he had communicated with the girl and showed them his computer, which contained the illicit images and videos.

During the trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and 21 counts of downloading indecent photographs and videos of children. The court heard that Wright’s actions were premeditated and involved a significant breach of trust and safety.

Judge Gareth Cowling, presiding over the case, decided against sending Wright to prison for the more serious charge of grooming the girl. The judge explained that such sentences often do not lead to rehabilitation and may even worsen the offender’s behavior. Instead, he opted for a suspended prison sentence, emphasizing the importance of public protection through supervised treatment.

Wright was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the sexual activity charge, but this sentence was suspended for two years. Additionally, he received a concurrent six-month sentence for the child pornography charges, also suspended for two years. As part of the plea deal, Wright agreed to a two-year supervision order, which includes mandatory psychiatric treatment in Liverpool and ongoing mental health support.

Furthermore, Wright was placed under a five-year Sexual Offences Provision Order, restricting him from having any direct contact with children under 16 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. He is also prohibited from owning a computer or accessing the internet outside of his workplace. The court mandated that he must not contact the girl he met in Havant until she turns 21, and he was registered on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years.

This case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable minors from exploitation and harm.