Football coach convicted of sexually abusing boys over a three decade period

The former football coach and youth worker was found guilty of 14 sexual abuse offences against four boys aged between eight and 15.

'Predatory behaviour spanning almost 30 years'

The sexual predator has reportedly been seeking out young boys since 1988 when he committed his first offence as a youth worker in New Addington. The man is said to have lured and groomed boys by buying them gifts, giving them attention and taking them out to trips to cinemas. Detective Constable Dave Brewster, from the Met's central specialist crime team, explained:

Hughes worked as a youth worker and children’s football coach in New Addington throughout the 1980s and 1990s, seeking employment and other opportunities that granted him access to children.

Before adding:

In committing these offences Hughes demonstrated premeditated, predatory behaviour spanning almost 30 years.

Abusing vulnerable children

At the time of his arrest, a black holdall containing children's underwear was found in his possession. Further incriminating items were found during a search of his address. Detective Brewster said:

He should have been someone the children, and their families, could trust. Hughes betrayed this trust, abusing vulnerable children who described feeling unable, ashamed and embarrassed to tell anyone what he had done to them.

Those who suffered at the hands of Hughes in the 1990s describe how his offending continues to affect them today and say their reports to police in 2018 and 2019 were an important step in ‘moving on’ with their lives.

Before adding:

It is only through the bravery of all of the victims in this case to report the abuse they suffered and support the police investigation that Hughes has been convicted of these offences. If you have been the victim of abuse, no matter how long ago, please report it to police so we can help you.