RUGBY PAEDOPHILE BRIAN HUGHES SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS IN PRISON

In March 2009, Brian Hughes, a 64-year-old man from Overslade, Rugby, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for sexually abusing four children over a period of 40 years. Hughes appeared before Coventry Crown Court and pleaded guilty to 28 counts of historic child abuse, with the court also noting three other similar offenses he requested be taken into account.

His victims, consisting of three girls and one boy, endured prolonged sexual abuse as he groomed them. One victim shared her experience through a victim impact statement, describing how Hughes's actions left her unable to trust men and feeling disgusted with her own body.

Judge Martin Coates described Hughes as a "man without sexual boundaries" who lacked awareness of the harm he caused to his victims. Hughes was told he would serve half of his 22-year sentence before being eligible for release on licence. He has been permanently barred from working with children and is prohibited from having any contact with anyone under 16. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender.

Hughes's criminal case was resolved after a nationwide manhunt when he went missing from Rugby in July 2007. He later surrendered to police in November 2007 following an appeal broadcast on Crimewatch.