July 2021 Sex beast jailed for the kidnap and rape of schoolgirl in Chester A sex beast has been jailed for the kidnap and rape of a schoolgirl in Chester. Joshua Hughes, of no fixed address, grabbed the 15-year-old near to Grosvenor Park and dragged her to a nearby secluded location where he raped her. The 27-year-old appeared at Chester Crown Court today to receive his sentence after he was found guilty of kidnap and rape on Thursday, June 10 after a four-day trial. Hughes was sentenced to 18 years in prison with a further seven years on licence. He will also be on the sex offenders register and have a sexual harm prevention order when released from jail. On sentencing Hughes, Judge Berkson said: “On that night it is clear from the evidence that your intention was to kidnap a girl to have sex with. “You are indeed the predatory rapist the jury found you to be and have shown no remorse for your behaviour.” The incident took place at around 8.20pm on Saturday, October 31 last year. The victim and her two friends were walking up the steps near to the suspension bridge towards the city centre when they were approached by Hughes. Hughes put his arm around the victim’s neck and pulled her away to a nearby location, where he committed the rape and then climbed over a wall and fled the scene. The victim’s friends ran for help, one of them called 999 and alerted other members of the public. Police quickly arrived at the scene and located the victim, ensuring that she received the support and care needed. Detectives launched a complex investigation including forensics, extensive CCTV and numerous witness enquiries. From these enquiries Hughes was identified as a suspect and arrested on Wednesday 4 November 2020.