DAVID HUGHES, 81, SENTENCED TO 29 YEARS IN PRISON IN DURHAM FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES

In February 2019, an 81-year-old man named David Hughes was sentenced to 29 years in prison for multiple child sexual offences, including the rape of two young girls. Hughes denied the charges but was convicted following a trial at Durham Crown Court. Judge Christopher Prince told Hughes, "It will be for the Parole Board to decide if Hughes is ever released."

The court heard how both victims were deeply traumatized by Hughes' actions. One victim described her ongoing psychological impact: "It will always affect me. At the time, I felt disgusting, dirty—almost as if I wanted to bleach myself, even when I was clean. I found it hard to talk to people, and I didn’t like being outside in large groups; I would get panicky. Dressing or undressing with others around was difficult, making activities like swimming hard. Eating in front of many people was also challenging." She added she was "scared to be a girl" and preferred activities typically associated with boys.

Prosecutor Sean Dodds explained that Hughes forced the girls into sexual acts, telling them no one would believe them if they reported him. He recounted an incident where Hughes bought one of the victims a hat; when she thanked him, he implied she could do something for him in return, then assaulted her sexually.

Hughes, of Greencroft, South Hetton, faced 14 allegations of sexual offences, of which he was convicted of four counts of raping a child and four counts of sexual assault.

Defence lawyer Michael Bosomworth stated, "He stood trial and continues to deny the offences, so there is little I can say in mitigation. I ask the court to consider the principle of totality and the expected impact of the lengthy sentence on an 81-year-old."

Judge Christopher Prince sentenced Hughes to 29 years, allocating 12 years for offences against one victim and 17 years for those against the other. The judge remarked, "It was painfully difficult to watch one of the victims in her police interview struggling to describe what had happened. The sentence I am imposing aims to provide the protection young people deserve from the courts."

He further explained, "You will serve half of the 12-year term, then two-thirds of the 17-year term. Release after that will at the discretion of the Parole Board to ensure your safety to re-enter society."

Additionally, Hughes was placed under a restraining order preventing any contact with his victims and is required to register as a sex offender for life.