RICHARD HUGHES FROM CHESHIRE JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT AT WILLASTON CLINIC
A 54-year-old physiotherapist from Cheshire has been sentenced to prison after committing a disturbing sexual assault on an elderly patient at his clinic in Willaston.Richard Hughes, the accused, carried out the assault on a pensioner who had come to his clinic seeking treatment for her back problems.
The incident occurred while she was lying face down on a treatment table, during which Hughes subjected her to three separate sexual assaults.
The victim, who trusted Hughes to help alleviate her physical discomfort, was shocked and distressed by the assault.
After the third incident, she managed to get up from the treatment table and confronted Hughes, demanding an explanation before she quickly fled the scene.
Recognizing the gravity of what had transpired, she immediately contacted emergency services by calling 999 to report the assault.
Later that day, police officers from Chester attended Hughes’s clinic in Willaston and arrested him on suspicion of sexual assault.
The investigation revealed that Hughes had already pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual assault, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
At Chester Crown Court, Hughes was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
In addition to his incarceration, he was issued a lifetime restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
Hughes’s address was noted as Crewe Road, Willaston.
Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Rob Bushell of Crewe CID expressed his thoughts on the case, stating, “The victim was seeking treatment for her back problems and put her trust in Hughes to help, but instead, she was subjected to a terrifying ordeal.
Hughes showed no regard for how his actions would impact her and exploited her vulnerability for his own perverse sexual gratification.” He further added, “I hope that the sentence provides some closure to the victim, who has demonstrated remarkable bravery throughout this investigation.
We continue to encourage anyone who may have been victims of sexual assault to come forward.
Our team remains committed to tackling violence against women and thoroughly investigating all reports to ensure justice is served.”
