PETER HUISH FROM BARTON-UPON-HUMBER AND BRIDPORT SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD RAPE CASE

In a case that has spanned nearly four decades, Peter Huish, a man with connections to Barton-upon-Humber and Bridport, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of heinous crimes committed against his teenage step-daughter. The offences, which took place in 1973, only came to light after the victim, now an adult woman, finally decided to report the abuse to authorities last year, citing a moment when 'something just snapped' as the catalyst for her decision.

Huish, aged 74 at the time of sentencing, was found guilty of six counts of rape and for taking explicit photographs of his young step-daughter. The court heard that the abuse occurred when he was residing in Barton-upon-Humber, and that he had confessed to his wife and a therapist over thirty years ago. Despite these confessions, no legal action was taken at the time, and Huish was able to evade justice for many years.

The victim, who chose to waive her right to anonymity, appeared in court and made a heartfelt plea to Judge Jeremy Richardson QC. She requested that Huish not be imprisoned but instead be publicly named, emphasizing her desire for her abuser to be identified. Prosecutor Simon Waley conveyed her wishes to the court, stating, “His victim has asked that I place great emphasis upon this, she has no desire for a prison sentence. What she feels is justice for her is that he is named.”

Judge Richardson acknowledged the victim’s request but emphasized that justice must be served. He described Huish’s conduct as ‘wicked and grotesque’ and sentenced him to ten years behind bars, asserting, “It was truly wicked. The sentence is 10 years in prison and you richly deserve it.”

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Huish had confessed to his wife and a therapist about the abuse, including his disturbing admission of a ‘fascination’ with the girl. However, the police were never informed at the time. The court also learned that Huish had taken explicit photographs of his step-daughter, further compounding the severity of his crimes.

Huish’s legal representative, Guy Wyatt, argued that cases of this nature, especially after such a long delay, are exceedingly rare in court. He described Huish as ‘thoroughly contrite and ashamed,’ acknowledging his guilt and expressing remorse. Wyatt also noted that Huish had been warned from the outset that he would face imprisonment.

As part of his sentence, Huish was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor and prevent further harm. The case has brought to light the tragic consequences of delayed justice and the importance of victims coming forward, regardless of how much time has passed.