Robert Hough

Robert Hough, a 56-year-old man from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, was convicted of rape and sexual assault following a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. The offences, which involved overpowering a vulnerable victim who repeatedly said 'No, no, stop', had a profound and lasting impact on her, resulting in severe psychological harm and attempts to take her own life.

Prosecutor Howard Searle highlighted the significant and ongoing effects of the abuse during the sentencing hearing. He stated: 'The impact upon her has been and continues to be significant. She has suffered from severe psychological harm.' Despite denying the charges, Hough was found guilty by the jury.

In mitigation, defence barrister Neil Ahuja noted that Hough maintains his innocence. However, Recorder Robert Smith, presiding over the case, described the offending as particularly serious. He remarked: 'I am satisfied you pose a high risk to women. Your victim was vulnerable. She said, 'No'. She told you to stop. She repeatedly said, 'No, no, stop'. You overpowered her. You were found guilty of rape. That is what you did. In mitigation, you have not been in trouble for sexual offending before. I regard this offending as being particularly serious, given the psychological harm to your victim.'

The court imposed a 13-year custodial sentence on Hough, of whom two-thirds must be served in prison before release on licence. Additionally, he was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. This case was reported by Stoke-on-Trent Live on 13 April 2026, underscoring the severity of sexual offences in North Staffordshire.