MICHAEL MCHUGH, CRUMPSALL HERO SOLDIER TURNED SEX OFFENDER, JAILED IN MANCHESTER
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Crumpsall Rapist
In a case that has shocked the local community of Crumpsall and the wider Manchester area, Michael McHugh, a former soldier celebrated for his bravery during the Gulf War, has been convicted of serious sexual offences and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
McHugh, who once earned commendations for his courageous actions during the 1990s conflict in Bosnia, now faces the consequences of a dark chapter in his life that has come to light through a court trial. The Manchester Crown Court jury found him guilty of multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, sexual touching, voyeurism, and assault, all committed between 2010 and the recent past.
According to court proceedings, McHugh, who resides on Parkhill Avenue in Crumpsall, lured a teenage girl under the age of consent into his bedroom, where he subjected her to sexual assault and rape. The court heard that this was not an isolated incident; he had previously physically assaulted her on another occasion.
In addition to these crimes, the court revealed that McHugh had engaged in inappropriate and sleazy behavior towards a second underage girl. He made leering remarks about her body and spied on her, making her uncomfortable and fearful. Despite his attempts to deny any wrongdoing, claiming he was not a pervert and that Gulf War Syndrome rendered him impotent, the jury rejected his defenses.
McHugh had argued that his symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome, which he claimed to have been suffering from since his service in 1990, explained his behavior. It was understood that he had been formally diagnosed with the condition. However, the jury found the evidence against him compelling enough to return unanimous guilty verdicts on all counts.
The court heard that McHugh served as a lance corporal during his seven-year military career, with postings around the world. After returning to civilian life, his mental and physical health deteriorated sharply, which was acknowledged during sentencing.
Judge David Stockdale QC addressed the court, describing the rape as a despicable act and emphasizing the lasting impact on the victims. He stated, “There is some good in you. You have served your country in the armed forces, you were commended in 1993 – probably in part because of your active service you now suffer a genuine psychological disorder, a complex disorder, in particular you suffer manic depression. Your psychological disorder in no way excuses or explains your offending against these young girls and does not require me to pass an order under the Mental Health Act.”
As of now, McHugh has been released from custody and is residing in a hostel in Manchester, reflecting the ongoing challenges he faces following his conviction. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the tragic fall from grace of a once-heroic figure.
McHugh, who once earned commendations for his courageous actions during the 1990s conflict in Bosnia, now faces the consequences of a dark chapter in his life that has come to light through a court trial. The Manchester Crown Court jury found him guilty of multiple charges, including rape, sexual assault, sexual touching, voyeurism, and assault, all committed between 2010 and the recent past.
According to court proceedings, McHugh, who resides on Parkhill Avenue in Crumpsall, lured a teenage girl under the age of consent into his bedroom, where he subjected her to sexual assault and rape. The court heard that this was not an isolated incident; he had previously physically assaulted her on another occasion.
In addition to these crimes, the court revealed that McHugh had engaged in inappropriate and sleazy behavior towards a second underage girl. He made leering remarks about her body and spied on her, making her uncomfortable and fearful. Despite his attempts to deny any wrongdoing, claiming he was not a pervert and that Gulf War Syndrome rendered him impotent, the jury rejected his defenses.
McHugh had argued that his symptoms of Gulf War Syndrome, which he claimed to have been suffering from since his service in 1990, explained his behavior. It was understood that he had been formally diagnosed with the condition. However, the jury found the evidence against him compelling enough to return unanimous guilty verdicts on all counts.
The court heard that McHugh served as a lance corporal during his seven-year military career, with postings around the world. After returning to civilian life, his mental and physical health deteriorated sharply, which was acknowledged during sentencing.
Judge David Stockdale QC addressed the court, describing the rape as a despicable act and emphasizing the lasting impact on the victims. He stated, “There is some good in you. You have served your country in the armed forces, you were commended in 1993 – probably in part because of your active service you now suffer a genuine psychological disorder, a complex disorder, in particular you suffer manic depression. Your psychological disorder in no way excuses or explains your offending against these young girls and does not require me to pass an order under the Mental Health Act.”
As of now, McHugh has been released from custody and is residing in a hostel in Manchester, reflecting the ongoing challenges he faces following his conviction. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the tragic fall from grace of a once-heroic figure.