BRIAN HUGHES SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN SHORNE AND SPAIN

In a case that spanned multiple countries and years, Brian Hughes, a 71-year-old man with no fixed address, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for sexually abusing two children in the village of Shorne. The offences, which occurred several years ago, have left a lasting impact on the victims, a fact emphasized by the presiding judge during the sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court.

Prosecutor Crispian Cartwright detailed the disturbing nature of Hughes's crimes, revealing that he was living in Shorne at the time of the abuse. Hughes was accused of engaging in sexual acts with one of the children, including getting on top of her and forcing her to perform a sex act. The second victim was also subjected to abuse, with Hughes attempting to manipulate her by offering money, sweets, and other gifts. The court heard that the second child was instructed to describe Hughes as a monster, highlighting the emotional trauma inflicted.

Hughes's criminal activities did not end in the UK. In 2005, he moved to Spain, where he volunteered at a donkey sanctuary. Despite his relocation, he was eventually extradited back to the United Kingdom to face justice for his past crimes. Hughes pleaded guilty to one charge of indecent assault and three counts of indecency with a child, acknowledging his guilt in the proceedings.

During the hearing, Hughes's defense lawyer, Sue Piyadasa, urged the judge, Mr. Justice Cooke, to consider leniency due to Hughes's age. She stated, “Bearing in mind his age, I hope you can be lenient in respect of sentence.” However, the judge responded firmly, emphasizing the severity of Hughes's actions. He remarked that the gravity of the offences was substantial and that the emotional damage caused to the victims was beyond measure. The judge condemned Hughes’s conduct, describing it as emotional exploitation and blackmail, and concluded that only imprisonment could serve justice.

In addition to the prison sentence, Hughes was subject to a sexual offences prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect the community from further harm.