MICHAEL HUGHES SENT SEXUAL MESSAGES TO 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN LEIGH

In June 2017, Michael Hughes, a 32-year-old resident of Leigh, was sentenced after engaging in a disturbing pattern of communication with a young girl. The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court, where it was revealed that Hughes had initiated contact with three different girls, all under the age of 18, through Facebook Messenger.

Initially, Hughes’s messages appeared innocent, as he inquired about their well-being and asked how they were doing. However, the tone of his messages quickly shifted towards more inappropriate and sexual content. The court was informed that about a month after the first contact, Hughes began sending messages of a sexual nature to one of the girls, who was only 13 years old at the time.

According to court records, Hughes made explicit comments about her physical appearance, telling her she had a “nice figure” and suggesting that she would be good at sex. These messages were part of a pattern of persistent communication that lasted approximately a year, with Hughes always reaching out late at night. The court heard that Hughes encouraged the girl to perform sexual acts, claiming it would bring them both pleasure. In one particular message, he explicitly told her to try a sexual act, but she felt “uncomfortable” and chose not to respond.

There was also an instance where Hughes claimed to have felt excited after seeing the girl at a public event and hugging her, further demonstrating his inappropriate behavior. Hughes had already admitted guilt to inciting the girl to engage in sexual activity during a previous hearing before Wigan and Leigh magistrates. The magistrates subsequently committed him to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Hughes, who resides on Melrose Avenue in Westleigh, was sentenced to a community order. In addition to this, the court mandated that he sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for a period of seven years, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the potential risk posed to the community. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation.