ANTHONY HUGHES FROM MENAI BRIDGE SENTENCED FOR PAEDOPHILIA IN ANGLESEY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Menai Bridge, Anthony Hughes, a 51-year-old man from the area, has been sentenced to over three years in prison following his involvement in a disturbing online grooming scheme. The incident came to light after paedophile hunters successfully confronted Hughes at his residence, located at Tyddyn To in Menai Bridge, Anglesey.

According to court proceedings held at Caernarfon Crown Court, Hughes was caught after engaging in a lewd and inappropriate online conversation with an individual he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. The group of vigilantes, acting as decoys, approached Hughes at his flat and recorded the confrontation, which was subsequently broadcast on Facebook, drawing widespread attention and concern from the community and authorities alike.

Law enforcement officials were also notified of the incident, leading to further investigation. Hughes ultimately pleaded guilty to charges that included attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity. He also admitted to attempting sexual communication with a minor between September and December of the previous year. As a result, Hughes was sentenced to 40 months in prison.

During the court hearing, prosecutor Elen Owen explained that the paedophile hunters' decoy had posed as a schoolgirl, which prompted Hughes to engage in grooming behaviour. Evidence presented in court revealed that Hughes sent a video of himself performing a sexual act and made explicit requests, further demonstrating his predatory intentions.

Hughes, in his police interview, expressed remorse, claiming he was “disgusted” with himself. He also attempted to deny any sexual attraction to children, though the evidence against him was compelling.

Judge Huw Rees addressed Hughes directly, stating that he would need to relocate from Menai Bridge to temporary accommodation in Caernarfon, such as a bed and breakfast, until the legal process was complete. The judge emphasized the seriousness of Hughes' repeated offending and ordered that he register as a sex offender. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict Hughes’s future conduct and protect the community from potential harm.