Father and son sentenced for child sex assaults

A father and son who committed a string of sexual assaults against young girls in Shropshire have been sentenced, with the elder man jailed for nearly 20 years.

Hugh Hughes, 72, from Ludlow, was given an 18-year prison sentence for 19 offences he carried out against multiple victims between 1987 and 2021.

Lyle Hughes, 21, from Whitchurch, was given an 18-month community order for two offences committed between 2014 and 2021.

Det Con Nic Coupland from West Mercia Police said he welcomed the sentences handed out at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 12 June, and praised the victims' bravery.

Hugh Hughes was convicted in April of six counts of sexual assault against a child, 12 counts of indecent assault on a child and one count of sexual assault against a female.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

His son was found guilty of sexual assault and sexual assault on a child.

"I am pleased that the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenders' crimes," Det Insp Coupland said.

"The victims have shown tremendous courage throughout the trial, and I would like to thank them for their bravery and perseverance. I hope these sentences will allow them to now move forward with their lives."

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