MORTON HUGHES: TELFORD AND WELLINGTON CHILD SEX OFFENDER AVOIDING JAIL DUE TO ILLNESS

In a case that has spanned several decades, Morton Hughes, a 76-year-old man originally from Wellington, has been at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving historic sexual offences committed in the Telford area. The allegations date back to the period between 1975 and 1981, during which Hughes was accused of multiple acts of indecent assault and gross indecency involving a boy and a girl.

The case was brought before Shrewsbury Crown Court in October, where a detailed hearing revealed the extent of Hughes’s alleged misconduct. The court heard that Hughes had carried out these offences over a span of several years, with the incidents involving indecent assaults on a young boy and girl, as well as acts of gross indecency on the boy and an act of inciting a girl to commit gross indecency. These allegations, if proven, would constitute serious violations of the victims' rights and well-being.

However, the proceedings took a different turn when Hughes’s health was brought into focus. The court was informed that Hughes was currently hospitalized suffering from Parkinson’s disease along with other degenerative health conditions. His medical state was deemed so severe that he was considered unfit to stand trial or serve a prison sentence. Judge Anthony Lowe, presiding over the case, carefully evaluated the options available under the Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964, which restricts the sentencing powers of courts when an offender’s mental or physical health is compromised.

Given Hughes’s condition, the judge concluded that the only legally permissible sentence was an absolute discharge. This decision was based on the fact that Hughes was already receiving hospital treatment and was unable to participate in any form of supervision or rehabilitation program. Judge Lowe stated, “I am satisfied that he is unfit to plead, unfit to stand trial and there is unlikely to be any improvement in his condition. I accept I can’t send him to prison and I also can’t impose a suspended sentence. The only sentence I can properly impose is an absolute discharge.”

He further explained that Hughes’s case was complicated by the significant delay in bringing the allegations to light, noting, “He has gained from the fact that these matters came to light many, many years after they happened. I hope that his victims understand that the court has effectively been overtaken by events in this case.”

Hughes’s history of offending was initially uncovered during a hearing in October 2018, where the court found sufficient evidence to establish that he had committed the offences. Detective Sergeant Andy Dawson, who led the investigation, praised the victims for their bravery in coming forward after so many years. Dawson emphasized the importance of the case in demonstrating the police and prosecution’s commitment to pursuing justice regardless of the time elapsed. He stated, “The investigation and subsequent finding at court has shown how seriously West Mercia Police and the Crown Prosecution Service take allegations of sexual offences, regardless of when they happened. These offences happened around 40 years ago and I would like to thank the victims in this case for their bravery and courage in coming forward after this time to report the offences to police.”

The court proceedings concluded on October 18, with Hughes’s sentencing to be determined at a later date. His previous residence was listed as Meese Close, Wellington, and the case has garnered significant attention due to the lengthy period over which these offences occurred and the complexities surrounding his health and legal status.