Robert Hughes

Robert Hughes, a 74-year-old resident of The Close in Spittal, west Wales, has been sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for sexually abusing four young girls during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Described by the court as an 'arrogant' paedophile, Hughes firmly denied the allegations against him but was convicted by a jury at Swansea Crown Court on nine offences of indecent assault committed between 1998 and 2004. The victims, who were aged between five or six and 12 at the time of the abuses, suffered lasting trauma from Hughes' predatory actions.

The case came to light through historical investigations by Dyfed-Powys Police, highlighting the long-term impact of child sex offences. Hughes' denial persisted throughout the trial, but overwhelming evidence led to his unanimous guilty verdict. In addition to his custodial sentence, Hughes was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring to protect the public.

Detective Inspector Sarah Williams from Dyfed-Powys Police commended the bravery of the victims, stating, 'These young girls showed incredible courage in coming forward after so many years, and their testimony has ensured that Hughes is held accountable for his heinous crimes.' The sentencing in October underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing historical sexual abuses against children in west Wales.