SCOTT HUGHES RUNCORN SEX OFFENDER ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE PLEA FOR SERIOUS SENTENCE
In a case that has shocked the community of Runcorn, Scott Hughes, a 20-year-old man from Delphfield, was recently spared an immediate prison sentence despite his involvement in serious sexual offenses involving a minor.The court proceedings, held at Chester Crown Court on Friday, March 2, revealed disturbing details about Hughes' actions and the extent of his misconduct.
According to court records, Hughes engaged in sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl on two separate occasions in 2015, when he was just 17 years old.
The court heard that Hughes believed his victim, who was described as having a troubled upbringing, was 15 years old at the time.
He had also sent her sexually explicit messages via Facebook, further complicating the case.
The first sexual encounter took place in July 2015 in a field located in Windmill Hill, Runcorn, followed by a second meeting two weeks later in August of the same year.
During the second encounter, Hughes suggested they go camping, and they spent the night together in a tent in a park within Runcorn.
Further allegations emerged when Hughes, then aged 19 and on bail for these offenses, continued to engage in inappropriate communications.
He sent sexually explicit images and messages to three other underage girls through Snapchat.
In February 2017, a mother discovered explicit messages from Hughes on her 14-year-old daughter’s phone.
Hughes had also falsely claimed to another 14-year-old girl that he was 16 and had sent her explicit pictures of his genitals more than ten times.
Between December 2016 and March 2017, Hughes continued to send sexually explicit images to girls aged 13 and 14, despite knowing their ages.
One particularly disturbing message included a photo with the caption: “That’s your birthday present – you can meet me later to get it in person,” despite the girl being only 11 years old, with Hughes claiming he was 14.
Hughes, who had no prior criminal convictions, was arrested following these revelations.
During police interviews, he denied any wrongdoing.
A victim’s statement read aloud in court expressed her feelings of anger and frustration, revealing that Hughes’ actions left her feeling so upset that she was reluctant to leave her house.
The court found Hughes guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing a child to watch a sexual act.
Despite the gravity of his offenses, Judge Simon Berkson decided against imposing an immediate custodial sentence.
Instead, Hughes received a 15-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years.
The judge emphasized that if Hughes had been just a few months older at the time of the offenses, the sentence could have been as severe as five years in prison.
Judge Berkson also highlighted Hughes’ current positive circumstances, noting that he is now employed, in a relationship, and supported by a caring family.
Nevertheless, Hughes was subjected to a series of strict conditions, including a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, an indefinite notification requirement, a curfew from 7pm to 7am, and a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 35 days.
