HUGH PARRY FROM PRESTATYN AND CARDIFF ESCAPES PRISON DESPITE SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In December 2012, an 80-year-old man from Prestatyn named Hugh Parry was involved in a serious legal case concerning child sex offences. Despite admitting to two charges of sexual activity with a teenage girl, Parry was spared immediate imprisonment due to his complex health and mental condition.

Hugh Parry, who resides on Ffordd Isa in Prestatyn, appeared at Mold Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a minor. One of these charges involved digital penetration, a particularly invasive form of abuse. It is important to note that three additional charges of sexual activity, which Parry denied, were allowed to remain on the court record, leaving some aspects of the case unresolved.

The presiding judge, Philip Hughes, sentenced Parry to two years in prison but suspended the sentence for a period of 18 months. This decision was made with the understanding that Parry would be subject to strict conditions, including a requirement to register as a sex offender with the police for a decade. Furthermore, an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was imposed to prevent him from having any unsupervised contact with girls under the age of 16.

During the hearing, it was noted that Parry appeared to attempt to shift blame onto the victim, which raised concerns among the court officials. The judge warned that any breach of the court’s orders would result in the immediate revocation of the suspended sentence and the imposition of a custodial sentence.

Parry’s health was a significant factor in the court’s decision. He was suffering from chronic pain caused by arthritis and was also dealing with mental health issues. An interview with a probation officer was abruptly terminated because Parry was unable to comprehend the proceedings, and a psychiatric report indicated that his cognitive functioning was severely impaired. The report also revealed that he had previously suffered a stroke, which contributed to memory loss, confusion, and possibly mild dementia.

It was also highlighted that Parry had been married for 58 years and had dedicated the last 15 years of his life to caring for his wife around the clock. Without his assistance, she would have needed to enter a care home, a fact the judge described as an exceptional circumstance. This compassionate consideration was a key reason why the court decided to suspend the prison sentence, emphasizing the importance of his role in his wife’s life.

Overall, the case underscores the complex interplay of criminal behavior, health issues, and compassionate circumstances, leading to a sentence that balances justice with understanding of Parry’s personal situation.