Adrian Hughes

Adrian Hughes

36, Male

Preston, Lancashire

Offender ID: d7238026-03f9-41f3-8f90-eb51f57f61d4

Offence Summary

Former Dudley councillor Adrian Hughes admitted to grooming and attempting to incite sexual activity with 12- and 13-year-old girls online. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges at Preston Magistrates’ Court and is scheduled for sentencing at Preston Crown Court.

Full Description

A former Dudley councillor, Adrian Hughes, has admitted to serious sexual offences involving the grooming of underage girls. Hughes, who was elected as a Labour Party representative for the Upper Gornal and Woodsetton ward in 2022, appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 13 March 2024, where he pleaded guilty to three charges related to communicating with and attempting to engage in sexual activity with girls aged 12 and 13.

The offences occurred in May 2023. Hughes, aged 36 and residing at Marsh Lane in Preston, Lancashire, admitted to communicating with a 13-year-old girl, during which he discussed meeting her, touching her sexually, and offering to teach her about sex. In the same month, he further admitted attempting to incite this 13-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, Hughes pleaded guilty to asking a 12-year-old girl to meet and engage in sexual activity, as well as sending her a nude picture of himself. These actions were conducted online, highlighting a pattern of grooming behaviour targeted at vulnerable minors.

Hughes' political career came under scrutiny prior to these admissions. He was suspended from the Labour Party in October 2023 following an undisclosed complaint about his behaviour, which prompted a party investigation. Despite relocating to the north of England, Hughes initially stated he would continue serving as an independent member of Dudley Council. During his tenure from May to September 2023, he sat on the council’s Children’s Services Select Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He had also been a member of the Children and Young Person’s Scrutiny Committee from May 2022 to May 2023, and the Children’s Corporate Parenting Board from May 2022 to May 2023. However, he was removed from the council in May 2024 after failing to attend meetings for six months.

The case was reported by Dudley News through its partnership with Local Democracy Reporter services. Hughes is scheduled to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court on 24 April 2024, where the court will determine the appropriate penalty for these grave offences. No further details on the investigation were provided in the reporting, but the pleas represent a significant admission of guilt in what has been described as predatory behaviour towards children.

Location

City: Preston

County: Lancashire

Address: Marsh Lane

Case Details

Police Force: Lancashire Constabulary

Name heritage (predicted origin)

Country: United Kingdom

Confidence: 95%

Special Thanks

A huge thank you to Lancashire Constabulary for their tireless dedication in bringing this offender to justice. Your commitment and hard work truly help keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful.

Source: dudleynews.co.uk

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