GEORGE HUGHES FROM WEST DRAYTON SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN HARMONDSWORTH

In a case that has spanned nearly three decades, Geoffrey Hughes, a resident of Zealand Avenue in Harmondsworth, West Drayton, has been sentenced to a significant prison term after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a young girl. The crimes, which occurred between 1980 and 1989, came to light only after the victim, who was just 13 years old at the time, bravely came forward in April 2008 to report the abuse.

Hughes, now aged 79, was convicted at Harrow Crown Court on charges that included six counts of rape, two counts of indecency with a child under 16, and four counts of indecent assault. The jury, after careful deliberation, unanimously agreed on the guilt of Hughes for each of the counts presented during the trial. The severity of the crimes and the clear evidence against him led to a conviction that reflects the gravity of his actions.

Prior to the sentencing, Hughes was scheduled to be sentenced twice—once in August and again in September—but both hearings were postponed. The delays were due to the need for comprehensive mental and physical assessments to better understand his condition before finalizing the sentence.

Detective Constable Sharon Porter, who was formerly part of the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Command (CAIT) based at Northwood, provided insight into the case. She emphasized the long history of the abuse, stating, “This is a historic case going back nearly thirty years. For a period of eight years, Geoffrey Hughes used his position as a trusted family friend to abuse a vulnerable girl during her childhood and adolescence, whilst he acted as her temporary carer.”

Porter also praised the victim’s courage, saying, “I would like to pay tribute to the immense bravery of the victim who has given evidence against this man.” She further urged any other potential victims to come forward, assuring them that all calls would be treated with the utmost confidentiality. “We take all allegations of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously regardless of how long ago the offences took place,” she added.

Hughes’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time.