GARY HUGHES FROM HAYLE SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING MENTALLY ILL PUPIL IN CORNWALL

In September 2009, a case that shocked the local community of Hayle and the wider Cornwall area culminated in the sentencing of Gary Trevor Hughes, a 55-year-old art teacher, to 18 months in prison for engaging in a sexual relationship with one of his pupils who was suffering from mental health issues.

Gary Hughes, who was employed by Cornwall College and based in St Erth near Hayle, had built a reputation among many of his students as an inspiring figure in the arts. However, his professional image was severely tarnished when he pleaded guilty to charges of having sexual relations with a woman, identified only for legal reasons, after visiting her at her home.

The incident took place at the victim’s residence, where she believed Hughes had come to offer support during her illness. Prosecutor Michael Brabin explained that the victim, who was a student of Hughes, thought his visit was out of kindness and had no suspicion of any ulterior motives. However, the court was told that Hughes took advantage of her vulnerable state by revealing personal issues, including the fact that his wife was planning to leave him, and expressing a need for comfort through physical contact.

According to court proceedings, the victim responded to Hughes’s emotional overtures by hugging him. This act eventually led to the two engaging in sexual activity within her bedroom. The court heard that the victim, who was described as having difficulty asserting herself, asked Hughes to stop during the encounter. Despite her pleas, Hughes did not cease his advances until she informed him that she was expecting a visitor. He then left, handing her a magazine as he departed.

Four days later, Hughes returned to her home, bringing a carrier bag containing sorbet and requesting her to keep their encounter secret. The victim confided in a friend about the incident, which prompted her to report the matter to authorities. Hughes was subsequently arrested following the investigation.

During the court hearing, Hughes’s defense lawyer, Robin Smith, stated that Hughes had since resigned from Cornwall College. Smith also highlighted that Hughes’s character references were largely positive, with some describing him as “inspirational.”

Judge Christopher Elwen sentenced Hughes to 18 months in prison, emphasizing that the defendant had “slipped from the pedestal” of trust and had “pushed it over and smashed it to smithereens.” The judge further condemned Hughes for taking advantage of a vulnerable individual at a low point in his own life. Additionally, Hughes was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for a period of ten years, reflecting the severity of his misconduct and the impact on the victim’s well-being.