David Hughes, age 66 was convicted for 14 offences sexually related to four boys, aged eight through fifteen
An egregious football coach, who sexually assaulted four boys during the 1980s & 1990s was sentenced to nine years in prison.
David Hughes (66) was found guilty of 14 other non-recent sexual offenses against four children between 8 and 15.
A court heard how he preyed on his victims by showering them with gifts such as football shirts and boots before carrying out his vile attacks while working at youth clubs in New Addington, south London between 1988 and 1995.
Hughes groomed one boy. He treated him to a trip in the cinema to see Jurassic Park, 1993. In addition to giving him attention and gifts, Hughes also gave him some money. While on an organised camping trip, the football coach assaulted another.
In 2017, and 2018, additional offences were committed, independent of his employment.
The court heard that Hughes was investigated by police after his victim’s mother, in September 2018, told officers: “I want to report a child abuser.”
Hughes was found with underwear for children in a black bag when he was arrested December 21 2018. Similar clothes were also found at Hughes’ home during an address search. In February 2020, he was arrested.
The jury found Hughes guilty at Croydon Crown Court of 10 charges of indecent assault against three boys, aged 8-13 years old. There were also two counts each of sexual activity and causing the boy to have sex with Hughes.
Hughes, who was employed as a youth coach and volunteered football coach between 1988 and 1995 were the first to be convicted of 10 infractions.
Hughes received a sentence of nine years imprisonment and an extended one year sentence. He will also be subject to probation. Hughes was also given a life-long, severe Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Croydon Crown Court found Hughes guilty on 10 counts indecently assaulting three boys between 8 and 13, 2 counts of sexual behavior with a 13-year-old boy, and 2 counts of causing the boy of 13-15 to engage in sexual activity.
According to Detective Officer Pete Brewster of the Metropolitan Police’s Central Specialist Crime Unit: “In committing these offenses Hughes displayed premeditated predatory behaviour that spans almost 30 years.
In the 1980s and 90s, he was a New Addington youth worker and a children’s soccer coach. He sought employment opportunities and any other possibilities that would allow him to have access to his children. He was someone that children could trust and families can trust.
“Hughes betrayed the trust by abusing vulnerable kids who felt ashamed, embarrassed, and unable to speak out about what he did to them.”
“Those who had to deal with Hughes in the 1990s say that his crimes continue to impact them and they report to the police their experiences in 2018. And 2019. They feel this is a crucial step towards ”moving forward”.
Hughes was found guilty of these offenses because Hughes did not report abuse suffered by victims and supported the investigation of police.
“If you are a victim of abuse and it has been a long time ago, we ask that you report this to the police. We will be able to assist you.”
Stephanie Dodd of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “David Hughes sought young boys who were passionate about football.
“He chose to work where he was close to them and used their love of the sport to care for and abuse them. They were given tops and boots as gifts. He betrayed his very role by being in a trusting position all the time.
Many of these schoolboys described being powerless to end their abuser’s cruelty at that moment. The boys have now come forward to testify against the abuser, allowing him to be convicted by jury.
“The CPS is committed to prosecuting sexual predators regardless of how long it has been since they were convicted. I trust this prosecution can comfort these victims.