JAKE HUGHES SENTENCED IN HANDBRIDGE FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT ON WIRRAL SCHOOLGIRL

In April 2022, a disturbing case unfolded involving a young girl from Wirral who was subjected to a brutal assault by a family friend. The incident took place in the family’s home, located in the Wirral area, and has since garnered significant attention due to the emotional impact on the victim and her family.

Jake Hughes, a 19-year-old man now residing in Handbridge and working as an electrician, was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison for the violent attack on the 11-year-old girl. Hughes, originally from Woodchurch Road, Prenton, was found guilty of assaulting the girl after entering her family’s residence while her parents were at work. The assault occurred after Hughes discovered the girl wrapped in a towel following her shower, leading to a horrifying and traumatic experience for the young victim.

The mother of the girl, who is now 13, spoke out publicly about the ordeal, urging other victims of sexual violence to come forward and share their stories. She emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “I just want other people to know not to keep it to themselves – that’s the most important message.” She recounted how her daughter was “absolutely terrified” about giving evidence in court but reassured her that she had done nothing wrong and encouraged her to tell the truth. The mother expressed pride in her daughter’s bravery for standing up during the trial.

Despite her disappointment with the length of the sentence, the mother found some solace in the fact that Hughes was now behind bars. She described how her daughter’s demeanor changed after the court proceedings, saying, “After the court case, when he had finally gone down, I’ve never seen her so happy. Looking at her, it was like having my little girl back again after so long. She was laughing and singing and even skipping.” She added that her daughter still finds it difficult to talk about the incident unless she chooses to, but she hopes her message encourages others to speak out, emphasizing that silence can be more damaging.

The family’s close relationship with Hughes and his family had lasted for years, making the betrayal even more painful. Following the attack, the girl refused to stay in her family home and instead went to live with relatives for approximately three months. During this period, her family invested around £5,000 in redecorating her bedroom and gradually encouraged her to regain confidence and spend more time at home. The mother reflected on the trauma her daughter endured, saying, “She’s been through hell and back. Whatever he got, my daughter has got a life sentence. We can’t erase that.” The case has left a lasting scar on the family, but they remain hopeful that justice has been served and that sharing their story might help others in similar situations.