DARREN HUGHES SENTENCED IN HOLYHEAD FOR ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENCES AND THREATENING BEHAVIOR

In May 2021, a man from Holyhead was sentenced after engaging in disturbing online conduct involving paedophile hunters. Darren Hughes, 45, of Gilbert Street, was sentenced to five years and one month in prison at Caernarfon Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to several charges, including witness intimidation via a personal Instagram account, attempted sexual communication with a child, and inciting an underage girl to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Timothy Petts noted that during August and September, Hughes engaged in online chats with individuals he believed to be 13 or 14-year-old girls, primarily through WhatsApp. The judge described Hughes's messages as "relentlessly sexual, almost from the start."

As part of the court's requirements, Hughes will be registered as a sex offender for an indefinite period, and a sexual harm prevention order will remain in effect for 15 years.

Prosecutor Owen Edwards explained that Hughes had been aggressive in his lewd messages and had warned about "old paedophiles" who use dating sites. Hughes's actions eventually led to his confrontation by paedophile hunters at his home, resulting in his arrest. During this time, a message was received by a paedophile hunter from someone claiming to be Hughes’s brother, stating he had taken his own life due to her involvement.

Mr. Edwards stated it was evident that Hughes claimed to be part of a gang, alleging that they had taken "violent revenge on decoys." The case highlights the dangers and deceptive tactics employed during online investigations into suspected illegal activity.