DEVIOUS SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE INDECENT IMAGES SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS
A 'devious' sex offender was identified as a danger to children after being caught with indecent images for the fourth time.Tristan Richard Hughes, a 32-year-old resident of Henllan in Denbigh, was once again incarcerated following discovery of a collection of images depicting young girls.
Hughes faced charges of breaching his sexual harm prevention order, as well as making and distributing indecent images of children.
The incident was triggered when his family reported to police that Hughes was concealing secret devices.
During a court hearing at Mold Crown Court, Judge Niclas Parry sentenced him to three years imprisonment.
Prosecutor Jemma Gordan explained that Hughes, who has autism, was under a sexual harm prevention order that forbade him from accessing certain electronic devices without approval.
In November 2021, Hughes' sister reported him to police for not adhering to the order.
When officers searched his Denbigh home, they found him in possession of a phone and laptop he had not disclosed.
Hughes admitted to violating the order but claimed there would be no incriminating evidence on his devices.
Forensic analysis revealed dozens of indecent images of young girls aged between 7 and 12.
Hughes had previously been sentenced in 2013 to a suspended term for making and possessing indecent images, and in November 2015, he was jailed for 21 months after being found with more images.
His most recent court appearance occurred in October 2020, where he received a two-year suspended sentence related to creating indecent images.
The judge described Hughes as 'devious' and 'a danger to children', emphasizing that he had squandered the court’s leniency.
The court ordered that his secret devices be destroyed and the existing sexual harm prevention order remain in effect until 2030.
The judge highlighted how Hughes’ family had alerted authorities to the danger, not to get him into trouble but to prevent further harm.
Hughes is now considered a significant threat due to his actions and history.
