TRISTAN HUGHES, DENBIGH SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON

A notorious sex offender, Tristan Richard Hughes of Henllan, Denbigh, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being caught with indecent images of young girls for the fourth time. Hughes, aged 32, was found in possession of a collection of images depicting minors, prompting his arrest. He faced charges of breaching a sexual harm prevention order, as well as making and distributing indecent images of children.

The case emerged after Hughes’ family contacted police, revealing that he was concealing secret electronic devices. At Mold Crown Court on Thursday, Judge Niclas Parry delivered the sentence.

Prosecutor Jemma Gordan explained that Hughes, who has an autism diagnosis and is currently monitored under a sexual harm prevention order, is forbidden from possessing unknown electronic devices. The order includes restrictions on his access to certain electronic equipment.

The court heard that in November 2021, North Wales Police were alerted by Hughes’ sister, who reported that he was violating the conditions of his order. When officers arrived at Hughes’ home in Denbigh, his sister told them that Hughes had disclosed he possessed a mobile phone and a laptop not authorized by the authorities. Hughes later admitted during police interviews that he had broken the order by possessing the devices, but claimed they would not reveal anything illegal.

Forensic analysis of the laptop and phone confirmed their contents included numerous indecent images of young girls aged approximately seven to 12. The court noted this was a repeated pattern of offending, as Hughes had previously received a suspended sentence in 2013 for making and possessing similar images. In 2015, he was jailed for 21 months after being found with more indecent images on his phones. His most recent legal trouble before this was in October 2020, when he received a two-year suspended sentence for producing indecent images.

Defence lawyer Simon Kileen told the court that Hughes is "terrified" of going back to prison, having already served time. Kileen emphasized that Hughes’ autism significantly influences his thinking and actions, urging the judge to consider this when sentencing.

Judge Niclas Parry sentenced Hughes to three years and labeled him a "devious" offender and a "danger to children." The judge criticized Hughes for wasting the opportunities given by the court, stating, "Quite simply, you have run out of chances. You are devious and you will lie to your family and those who want to help you— all because of this desire that you have to satisfy your admitted attraction to young children."

The judge praised Hughes’ family for their role in alerting authorities, asserting they did so to prevent further harm, not to get him into trouble. The existing sexual harm prevention order, valid until 2030, will remain in force, and Hughes’ secret devices are to be destroyed.