THE police investigation into the Eugene Hughes case began in April last year.
Head of CID Detective Inspector Ashley Nicholas said it had begun when the first victim had bravely contacted police and given a harrowing account of the sexual abuse she had suffered at Hughes’ hands.
Detectives had since investigated further independent allegations of sexual assault that Hughes had made on young girls.
‘The effect that the abuse has had on some of the victims and their lives has been devastating,’ said DI Nicolas, who also heads the force’s family protection unit.
Child protection officer Detective Constable Lisa McMillan said Hughes’ history of sexual offending had spanned many years.
But she said the sport of judo should not be tainted by Hughes’ actions. ‘There are strict child protection policies now in place for sporting and other leisure activities which should prevent children from being abused by people they should trust,’ she said.
Any parent or carer who was worried about any sport or activity that their children were taking part in should contact the relevant organiser and ask for details of their child-protection policy.
DI Nicholas said Guernsey Police acknowledged the immense strength and courage shown by the women who had come forward in this case and told of what had happened to them.
‘Our thanks go to the women and their friends and family who supported them for their patience and understanding during the long time it took to thoroughly investigate the case and finally achieve this conviction in court,’ he said.
He hoped the case would give others the courage to come forward as there might be many cases of historical child abuse.
‘We would encourage anyone to come forward and report it to police, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred,’ he said.
He said every report would be treated sensitively and, if the victim wished, investigated thoroughly.
A free helpline for adults who were abused in childhood is available by calling 0800 085 3330. The line is open weekdays at various times. See website for more details.
Author: Thisisguernsey
Police praise the bravery of victims
THE police investigation into the Eugene Hughes case began in April last year.
Head of CID Detective Inspector Ashley Nicholas said it had begun when the first victim had bravely contacted police and given a harrowing account of the sexual abuse she had suffered at Hughes’ hands.
Detectives had since investigated further independent allegations of sexual assault that Hughes had made on young girls.
‘The effect that the abuse has had on some of the victims and their lives has been devastating,’ said DI Nicolas, who also heads the force’s family protection unit.
Child protection officer Detective Constable Lisa McMillan said Hughes’ history of sexual offending had spanned many years.
But she said the sport of judo should not be tainted by Hughes’ actions. ‘There are strict child protection policies now in place for sporting and other leisure activities which should prevent children from being abused by people they should trust,’ she said.
Any parent or carer who was worried about any sport or activity that their children were taking part in should contact the relevant organiser and ask for details of their child-protection policy.
DI Nicholas said Guernsey Police acknowledged the immense strength and courage shown by the women who had come forward in this case and told of what had happened to them.
‘Our thanks go to the women and their friends and family who supported them for their patience and understanding during the long time it took to thoroughly investigate the case and finally achieve this conviction in court,’ he said.
He hoped the case would give others the courage to come forward as there might be many cases of historical child abuse.
‘We would encourage anyone to come forward and report it to police, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred,’ he said.
He said every report would be treated sensitively and, if the victim wished, investigated thoroughly.
A free helpline for adults who were abused in childhood is available by calling 0800 085 3330. The line is open weekdays at various times. See website for more details.
Alternatively people can log on to www.napac.org.uk.
Article posted on 9th September, 2008 - 2.29pm