STEPHEN HUGHES FROM REDCAR SENTENCED TO EXTRA MONTHS FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES

In a recent development in the case of Stephen Hughes, a man from Redcar with a disturbing criminal history, the courts have imposed an additional two months of imprisonment on him. This decision came after Hughes attempted to challenge his convictions through a lengthy and ultimately unsuccessful appeal process, which was deemed to have wasted valuable judicial time.

Hughes, aged 56 and residing on Queen Street in Redcar, was originally sentenced at Teesside Crown Court on April 27 of the previous year. The court found him guilty of multiple serious charges, including two counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of rape. All these offenses involved a young child, highlighting the severity and heinous nature of his crimes.

Following his conviction, Hughes was classified as a dangerous offender, a designation that reflects the risk he poses to the public. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to serve an additional six years on license after his release, ensuring continued supervision and restrictions to prevent further offenses.

Hughes’ attempt to overturn his convictions was characterized by a broad and repetitive set of arguments. Mrs Justice Lang, presiding over the Court of Appeal in London on March 7, 2018, explained that Hughes’ grounds for appeal were without merit. Among his claims was the assertion that the trial judge erred in refusing to allow a convicted child abductor and murderer, who was serving time, to assist Hughes during his trial. Hughes argued that this individual’s involvement could have provided him with crucial support.

Additionally, Hughes contended that the jury should not have been exposed to details of his previous convictions from 2008, which involved historic sex offenses. He claimed that these details rendered the trial unfair and that all his convictions should be declared unsafe and overturned.

However, the court dismissed these arguments. Mrs Justice Lang clarified that the trial judge had correctly determined that the individual Hughes wished to have assist him was unsuitable due to his own criminal background. Furthermore, the court upheld the admissibility of Hughes’ prior convictions, emphasizing that they demonstrated a clear propensity for committing sexual offenses against underage girls.

Mrs Justice Lang stated, “The judge conducted the trial fairly. We are satisfied that none of the grounds of appeal are arguable and the convictions are safe.” The court’s decision marked the end of Hughes’ attempt to challenge his convictions, which was deemed entirely without merit. As a result, the court took the rare step of adding 56 days to Hughes’ existing prison sentence, reflecting the court’s view that his appeal was a waste of judicial resources.

During the original court proceedings in April 2017, Hughes was also subjected to strict conditions. He was ordered to seek police permission before dating any woman again and was prohibited from having contact with girls under the age of 18, measures designed to prevent further harm and protect potential victims.