ROBIN WRIGHT FROM SOUTHAMPTON JAILED FOR GROOMING 15-YEAR-OLD IN PORTCHESTER
In October 2009, a disturbing incident unfolded in Portchester, where police officers on routine patrol made a startling discovery that would lead to the arrest and subsequent conviction of a man from Southampton.The officers noticed a vehicle parked in Portchester Castle car park with its windows fogged up, indicating possible inappropriate activity inside.
Upon approaching and tapping on the car's glass, they found Robin Wright, a 56-year-old builder from Southampton, in a compromising situation with a 15-year-old girl.
The girl was found in a semi-undressed state, raising immediate concerns about the nature of their interaction.
Further investigations revealed that Wright had been grooming the young girl, who was from Portchester, over a period of time.
He had showered her with gifts, taken her shopping on multiple occasions, and purchased clothing for her.
Prosecutor Daniel Sawyer explained that Wright was aware of the girl’s troubled relationship with her boyfriend and exploited her vulnerability for his own gratification.
The court heard that Wright, who was married, had taken advantage of her emotional distress to manipulate her into a sexual relationship.
Following his arrest, Wright, who resides on Newland Avenue in Shirley, Southampton, attempted to prevent the girl from revealing the truth to the authorities.
His defense argued that he had not deliberately sought a relationship with a minor, claiming that the incident happened very quickly and was not premeditated.
However, the jury found him guilty of two charges from 2007 involving sexual activity with a child and one charge of meeting a child after grooming.
Judge Roger Hetherington sentenced Wright to three years in prison, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
He stated, “The circumstances involve a girl of 15-and-a-half, whom you met through her boyfriend.
I accept that you did not deliberately seek her out, but you took advantage of her vulnerability once you realized she might be receptive to your advances.
You paid for clothing and other items, some possibly intended to titillate, others simply clothing, but all served to manipulate her.” The judge also disqualified Wright from working with children and ordered him to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
The court expressed hope that the girl had not suffered long-term harm from the incident, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of grooming and exploitation.
