SAM WRIGHT FROM WEDNESBURY INVOLVED IN CHILD ABUSE CASE AT WOLVERHAMPTON CROWN COURT

In May 2019, a disturbing incident involving a former soldier from Wednesbury came to light, revealing a brutal attack on a 22-month-old toddler. Sam Wright, aged 24, who previously served in the parachute regiment, was involved in an incident that shocked the local community and prompted a serious legal response.

According to court reports, Wright visited the home of the young child’s mother in Wednesbury. When she returned, she was confronted with a troubling explanation from Wright, who claimed that the toddler had choked on a 2 pence coin. Wright stated that he attempted to assist the child by first smacking him on the back, and when that did not resolve the issue, he performed a Heimlich manoeuvre in an effort to dislodge the object.

However, the mother’s immediate concern was the visible bruising on both of her child's ears. She noticed these injuries right after Wright’s visit and questioned him about their origin. Wright was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the bruising, which raised suspicions about the nature of the injuries.

Subsequent medical examinations conducted two days later confirmed the severity of the child's injuries. A paediatrician found extensive bruising both inside and outside of the child's right ear, as well as on the outside of the left ear. These injuries were consistent with repeated slapping or punching, rather than accidental trauma from choking or a fall.

Medical experts also examined Wright’s account of the choking incident. A consultant paediatrician concluded that the 2 pence coin was too large to become lodged in the windpipe of a child of that age, thereby contradicting Wright’s story and indicating that the injuries were likely caused by physical abuse rather than an accidental choking.

After a lengthy legal process that took nearly two years, Wright from Park Lane, Wednesbury, finally faced court proceedings at Wolverhampton Crown Court. During the trial, he admitted to child cruelty, a serious charge that reflected the gravity of the injuries inflicted on the toddler.

In sentencing, the court opted for a community-based punishment rather than imprisonment. Wright was handed a two-year community order, which required him to participate in a rehabilitation programme aimed at addressing behavioural issues. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work as part of his sentence.

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about child abuse and the importance of thorough investigations and appropriate legal responses to protect vulnerable children in communities like Wednesbury and Wolverhampton.