A former Labour councillor in Dudley, UK has been sentenced to prison after admitting multiple child sex offences following an undercover police operation.
Adrian Hughes pleaded guilty to attempting sexual communication and attempted sexual activity with minors, after believing he was interacting online with girls aged 12 and 13. The individuals were in fact undercover officers.
The offences took place between May and June 2025. Hughes, who had previously served on several child-focused bodies including local authority committees overseeing children’s services, was arrested and later charged. He had already been suspended from the Labour Party in October 2023 following a separate complaint regarding his conduct.
During sentencing, the court heard that Hughes attempted to conceal evidence by deleting messages from his phone, which was treated as an aggravating factor. His defence cited personal difficulties, including a troubled upbringing, mental health issues, and substance abuse, arguing these contributed to his behaviour.
Recorder Siddiqi sentenced Hughes to 32 months’ imprisonment and imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The case has raised serious concerns given Hughes’ prior involvement in committees responsible for children and young people within the local council.
