NATHAN WRIGHT FROM TOOTING JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES WITH 14-YEAR-OLD FAN AT DERBY'S ROLLERWORLD
| Red Rose Database
Tooting Rapist
In a case that has shocked the community and cast a shadow over the reputation of a once-celebrated athlete, Nathan Wright, a 26-year-old roller skating star known for his performance at the London Olympics opening ceremony, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after the young girl, who had become a fan of Wright through his online presence, initiated contact with him via YouTube.
According to court reports, the girl had watched one of Wright's skating videos and was inspired by his skills. She then reached out to him through the video-sharing platform, and the two began exchanging messages regularly. Over time, their communication became more personal, with Wright sending explicit videos to the teenager. The girl, described as 'flattered' by Wright's attention, was only 14 at the time, a fact that was evident from the outset of their interactions, as stated by prosecutor Edna Leonard.
Wright, who hails from Tooting in London, was accused of persuading the girl to perform a sex act on a webcam, which he then recorded himself doing. This recording was subsequently sent to her, further complicating the case. The court heard that their relationship escalated when they met at a skating event, where Wright was approached by fans seeking photographs. The girl was among those fans, and the pair took the opportunity to slip away from the crowd to engage in sexual activity.
Their second meeting took place at Rollerworld in Derby on October 21 of the previous year. Wright had instructed the girl to wear easily removable clothing, and they again engaged in sexual acts, this time in a car park. The court was told that Wright had persuaded her to leave a group of adults and that the sexual encounter occurred in the secluded parking area.
During the sentencing, Recorder Paul Mann QC emphasized the importance of Wright's role as a public figure. He stated, 'You are known as an accomplished roller-skater and have your profile on the internet. You have, through your skating, the opportunity to become a role model for young people. There must be young people who have followed you who feel let down by the offences you have committed.'
Wright, who also participated in the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, admitted to charges of sexual grooming and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with additional restrictions including a ban on using the internet to contact anyone under 16 and registration as a sex offender.
It was also revealed that Wright had previously served a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for a rape committed when he was 18. His defense lawyer, Jonathan Straw, argued that the girl was a willing participant and had prior sexual experience, asserting that there was genuine mutual feeling and that she was not pressured into the encounters. However, the court found the evidence sufficient to impose a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved.
According to court reports, the girl had watched one of Wright's skating videos and was inspired by his skills. She then reached out to him through the video-sharing platform, and the two began exchanging messages regularly. Over time, their communication became more personal, with Wright sending explicit videos to the teenager. The girl, described as 'flattered' by Wright's attention, was only 14 at the time, a fact that was evident from the outset of their interactions, as stated by prosecutor Edna Leonard.
Wright, who hails from Tooting in London, was accused of persuading the girl to perform a sex act on a webcam, which he then recorded himself doing. This recording was subsequently sent to her, further complicating the case. The court heard that their relationship escalated when they met at a skating event, where Wright was approached by fans seeking photographs. The girl was among those fans, and the pair took the opportunity to slip away from the crowd to engage in sexual activity.
Their second meeting took place at Rollerworld in Derby on October 21 of the previous year. Wright had instructed the girl to wear easily removable clothing, and they again engaged in sexual acts, this time in a car park. The court was told that Wright had persuaded her to leave a group of adults and that the sexual encounter occurred in the secluded parking area.
During the sentencing, Recorder Paul Mann QC emphasized the importance of Wright's role as a public figure. He stated, 'You are known as an accomplished roller-skater and have your profile on the internet. You have, through your skating, the opportunity to become a role model for young people. There must be young people who have followed you who feel let down by the offences you have committed.'
Wright, who also participated in the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, admitted to charges of sexual grooming and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He was sentenced to five years in prison, with additional restrictions including a ban on using the internet to contact anyone under 16 and registration as a sex offender.
It was also revealed that Wright had previously served a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence for a rape committed when he was 18. His defense lawyer, Jonathan Straw, argued that the girl was a willing participant and had prior sexual experience, asserting that there was genuine mutual feeling and that she was not pressured into the encounters. However, the court found the evidence sufficient to impose a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the offenses and the breach of trust involved.