Accrington man Cavan Hughes jailed for abuse and handed 18-year restraining order

ACCRINGTON MAN CAVAN HUGHES JAILED FOR ABUSE AND HANDED 18-YEAR RESTRAINING ORDER

A woman who suffered a prolonged and horrifying campaign of abuse at the hands of her former partner, Cavan Hughes, has spoken out following his sentencing.

Hughes, from Accrington, was found guilty of charges including strangulation and harassment.

He was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on June 27 to serve two years and six months in prison, with approximately six to seven months already served on remand.

Additionally, an 18-year restraining order was imposed, preventing him from contacting the victim or her children, a length of order rarely granted unless the offender is deemed a serious long-term risk.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described her ordeal as "a terrifying, prolonged nightmare of coercive control, violence, stalking, and harassment." She recounted being emotionally and financially drained, experiencing incidents such as being locked out of her home, her bank account being emptied, relentless calls, and even being strangled in a headlock while her children were present.

She expressed her relief at finally being free from Hughes and emphasized the importance of speaking out, fearing he might harm others.

The woman had previously sought protective orders and reported Hughes’s escalations but was dismissed and misinformed about the risk he posed, highlighting the need for more vigilant early intervention.

After the court’s decision, she feels safer and is starting to rebuild her life, urging others to be aware of potential dangers and abuse.

She calls for accountability for Hughes’s pattern of violent and abusive behavior, advocating for greater protection of victims and at-risk women and children.