DAVID HUGH SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR LISKARD SEX OFFENCES

In a landmark case that has resonated deeply within the community of Liskeard, Cornwall, David Hugh, aged 64, has been handed a severe prison sentence of 20 years after being convicted of a series of heinous sexual offences spanning over four decades. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse committed by Hugh, who was living in Liskeard at the time of his arrest, and involved a total of 26 separate offences committed between 1962 and 1998.

Judge David Ticehurst did not hold back in his condemnation of Hugh, describing him as a paedophile and a pervert who had shown no remorse for his actions. The verdict came after a rigorous trial that lasted several days, during which the court heard from multiple witnesses and examined extensive evidence. The case was particularly poignant because it involved victims who had suffered in silence for many years, some of whom only found the courage to come forward after decades of trauma.

One of Hugh’s victims, whose identity remains protected, expressed her relief and satisfaction with the outcome. She stated, “I have been waiting all my life for this,” emphasizing her sense of justice finally being served. She explained that the lengthy imprisonment would prevent Hugh from harassing her or her children, offering her a sense of safety and closure. She recounted her childhood abuse, which began when she was just 8 years old and continued until she was 16, describing how Hugh’s manipulative tactics, including bribery and threats, kept her silent for years.

“He made my life a misery when I was little, but I never told anybody,” she revealed. “He used to say things like ‘it’s our little secret’ and ‘don’t tell anybody,’ which at that age, I believed. I didn’t understand what was right or wrong.” She further shared how the trauma affected her adolescence, leading to withdrawal and depressive thoughts, and how the fear of Hugh’s return haunted her for years.

Her courage was reignited when she discovered that Hugh had also offended against other women. This revelation prompted her to report the crimes to the police, breaking her silence after many years. She explained, “Every day of my life I was thinking about him and what he had done to me. I was offered to go to the police six or seven years ago when I first went through counselling, but I thought it would just be my word against his. Then, in 2011, I found out he had abused someone else, and I felt stronger. That’s when I decided to make a formal statement.”

Her decision to come forward was supported by a local support group called Twelves Company, based in Plymouth, which provided her with invaluable assistance. During the trial, she was able to give evidence via video link, a measure that helped her avoid direct confrontation with Hugh in court. She described the experience as terrifying, recounting how she couldn’t eat for days and felt sick before giving her testimony. However, she acknowledged that the safety measures and support from police and her adviser made a significant difference.

The jury, composed of nine women and three men, deliberated for only two hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. Hugh was convicted on 17 counts of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of gross indecency with a child. He had previously pleaded guilty to two other serious charges. The offences spanned from 1962 to 1998, and Hugh was acquitted of one count of indecent assault and one count of gross indecency with a child.

Detective Constable Donna Jordan, who led the investigation for the sexual offences team in Plymouth, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome. She highlighted the challenges inherent in prosecuting historic cases, which often rely heavily on witness testimony. “All three witnesses were strong, and I hope this case encourages others to come forward,” she said. Jordan also noted an increase in reports of historical abuse cases, citing the Jimmy Savile scandal as a catalyst that has emboldened victims to speak out. She urged anyone with information or suspicions to contact the police, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.

Following the trial, the victim shared her hopes of moving forward and using her experience to help others. “It’s made me realize I want to support people who have been through similar trauma,” she said. “I may not be a professional, but if I can make it easier for someone else to come forward, I will. The help is there, and it’s worth it.” She expressed her desire to leave the past behind and find peace, concluding, “As far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t exist anymore. It’s over.”