A paedophile who preyed on homeless young boys in Southend was yesterday starting a six-year jail sentence.

Ronald Wright, 60, was told by a judge: "You present a serious danger to the public."

Over the past 27 years Wright has received a string of prison terms for hideous sex offences against boys. The youngsters were regarded in many cases as vulnerable, terrified and mentally unbalanced.

In the latest attacks, Wright, of Southchurch Avenue, Southend, befriended a group of boys living in the town's bedsit accommodation.

He gradually worked his way into their company and when they played around at wrestling games and so on Wright would join in.

Initially, he would kiss and cuddle the boys in harmless fun.

He then began to touch them and take advantage of their playful games, Basildon Crown Court heard.

Like many times before Wright would then turn nasty.

He committed a vile act on a 17-year-old boy and an indecent assault on a youngster aged 13.

The attack on the older boy left the victim traumatised.

He has attempted suicide three times and wept throughout as he recalled his sickening ordeal in court. Wright was found guilty of the two offences, although he was cleared of attacks on two brothers.

After the jury's verdict in March, Wright was remanded in custody to await sentence.

While waiting, he penned a letter to Judge Philip Clegg -- still protesting his innocence.

However, the judge told him: "You have been convicted on no fewer than six occasions for serious offences against young boys.

"It is now my duty to protect the public from harm by people like you."

On his release, Wright's name will be put on the national sex offenders' register and will remain there for the rest of his life.

Locked up - Ronald Wright is "a serious danger to the public"

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