ROBERT HUGHES FROM BATH, BRISTOL, AND CORSHAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST TEENAGE PUPILS

In a case that has shocked the communities of Bath, Corsham, and Bristol, Robert Hughes, a music teacher with ties to these towns, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses involving teenage pupils.

Hughes, who worked as a music instructor in Bath and Corsham during the 1990s, was found guilty of grooming and sexually assaulting two young girls, one of whom was only 15 years old at the time. The court heard that Hughes had established a pattern of manipulative behavior, preying on vulnerable students over a period of several months before committing the assaults.

The incidents came to light after one of the victims, now an adult, reported the abuse to authorities two years prior to the trial. The court proceedings revealed that Hughes had taken advantage of his position of trust, engaging in inappropriate conduct that included kissing the girls and touching them inappropriately. The most serious offense involved him raping one of the girls at his flat in Corsham, where she had gone to visit him. Although she insisted she did not want to engage in full sexual intercourse, she went to bed with Hughes, which led to the assault.

Despite the rape, the victim continued to maintain a sexual relationship with Hughes for some time before eventually ending it. The court was told that both girls had harbored crushes on Hughes, but Judge Douglas Field emphasized that their naivety and inexperience made them particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The jury at Swindon Crown Court found Hughes guilty of rape and seven other sexual offenses involving one girl, as well as eight counts of indecent assault on the other.

At the time of the trial, Hughes was residing in Staple Hill, Bristol. His defense attorney, Ed Burgess, argued that Hughes still contested the jury’s verdicts. Burgess described Hughes as a talented and enthusiastic young teacher and musician who was well regarded before the allegations surfaced. He also pointed out that Hughes had been struggling with personal issues, including a troubled marriage and alcohol problems, which he claimed contributed to his behavior.

Judge Douglas Field condemned Hughes’ actions, stating, “This was a serious breach of trust. At all times you were well aware that such a relationship was wrong.” The judge also highlighted the gravity of the offenses against the second girl, emphasizing that these acts represented a significant violation of trust.

As part of his sentence, Hughes was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He will also be subject to restrictions that prevent him from working with children and vulnerable adults, ensuring that he remains under supervision to protect others from potential harm in the future.