DECLAN PUGH HORWICH SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER ABUSING GIRLS AGED 13 AND 14 IN BOLTON

In April 2021, a disturbing case involving a young man from Horwich, Declan Pugh, came to light as he was convicted of engaging in sexual acts with two underage girls aged 13 and 14. The incident, which took place in Bolton, has sparked concern over the safety of minors and the severity of the legal repercussions for such offenses.

Declan Pugh, who was 19 at the time of sentencing, had initially denied any inappropriate conduct with the girls, whom he had met through social messaging platforms. However, during the course of the trial, he ultimately admitted to the charges against him on the second day, leading to his conviction and sentencing.

The court proceedings revealed that Pugh had met the first girl when she was only 13 years old, while he was 16. Prosecutor Jonathan Dickinson detailed that although the girl was reluctant and did not want to engage in sexual activities, she felt compelled to comply with Pugh’s demands out of fear of disappointing him. On two separate occasions, Pugh engaged in sexual intercourse with her, disregarding her feelings and consent.

Further disturbing evidence was presented regarding Pugh’s interactions with another girl, aged 14. She believed she was visiting his home in Horwich to watch a movie, but Pugh sexually touched her during her visit. When she objected to his inappropriate touching and attempted to leave, Pugh reportedly dismissed her concerns with the comment, “don’t be a tease.” The girl was visibly upset and distressed, crying after leaving Pugh’s residence and subsequently confiding in staff at her school about the incident.

Following his arrest, Pugh, of Laburnum Grove, Horwich, initially denied any wrongdoing. However, he later pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual offenses committed against the two girls. His defense lawyer, Keith Jones, acknowledged that Pugh recognized his behavior was “wholly inappropriate,” describing him as naive, sexually immature, and hormonal at the time.

Despite this, Judge Graeme Smith of Bolton Crown Court emphasized the serious impact of Pugh’s actions. He stated that Pugh had shown little regard for the girls’ feelings and had prioritized his own desires. The judge highlighted that the victims had suffered significant psychological harm due to Pugh’s refusal to accept responsibility until the trial, during which he denied any sexual contact had occurred.

As part of his sentence, Pugh was ordered to register as a sex offender and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for a period of ten years. The case underscores the ongoing concerns about safeguarding minors and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions in the Bolton area and beyond.