Ian Mark Wrightson, 54, of Holmes Close, Newcastle, has been jailed for three years and four months at Newcastle Crown Court for sexually abusing a young girl. He lured the schoolgirl with the promise of playing computer games before subjecting her to a series of sexual assaults for his own sexual gratification.
Guilty Plea on Trial Day
Wrightson, who also lived in York, originally pleaded not guilty to five offences. However, on the day he was due to stand trial, he changed his plea to guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under 14. He was jailed on the same day, placed on the sex offenders register for life, and barred from working with children.
Victim's Courage and Police Response
His victim said: "If my story can help someone in need, I would be so grateful that I had helped in a very small way by putting it out there and possibly giving them the strength to believe they can come forward themselves. I hope it will help people like me who have been so scared to come out and say something - whether it’s historic or current to speak up."
Investigating officer Detective Constable Helen Hewitt said: "Wrightson’s cowardice in denying the offences he committed until just before the trial, forced the victim to endure the build up to the trial, reliving the horrific abuse she suffered. His guilty plea is a testament to the strength and courage shown by the victim and I hope the sentence passed will provide other victims of abuse the courage and confidence to come forward. North Yorkshire Police will work tirelessly to give victims of abuse a voice and achieve prosecutions against predatory offenders like Wrightson."
She added: "The effects of sexual abuse are long-lasting and can affect all aspects of a victim’s life. I urge anyone who has been abused, no matter when it happened, to please come forward. If you don’t feel you can report to the police at the moment, there are other agencies who can help you but please do not suffer in silence."
