Australian television pedophile and former star Robert Hughes will be released from prison and deported to the UK by Border Force officials.
The State Parole Authority on Thursday announced the inmate’s decision, with the 73-year-old star of the comedy Hey Dad! be escorted to Sydney Airport no later than June 14 after his Australian citizenship was waived and the federal government canceled his residence visa.
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Hughes was sentenced to 10 years and nine months in prison in 2014 for ten historic sexual offenses against minors, including sex without consent and multiple acts of assault on modesty.
The Parole Authority took less than a week to make the decision to grant Hughes parole after a public hearing on May 27, following the former actor’s several failed attempts at release.
“Parole is granted. The offender must be released no later than June 14, 2022,” the State Parole Authority said on Thursday.
His six-year probation period expired in 2020 and the NSW Parole Authority has twice denied him parole before he was released on Thursday.
Camera Icon Robert Hughes played a widowed father in the comedy series Hey Dad! Credit: News LimitedCamera IconYou will be immediately deported to the UK. Credit: News Corp Australia
The authority held a public hearing in Sydney on Friday after previously requesting a psychological report on the risk of recidivism in Hughes.
Addressing the hearing, Hughes’ attorney, Hannah Bruce, said that “it had been consistently assessed as a medium, lower, or lower risk of recidivism.”
“While in custody, she is not eligible for programs, she is not eligible for any sex offender program … there are no more programs she can complete while in custody that would reduce her risk of recidivism,” he said.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“He is a gentleman towards the end of his years. His focus on release is to keep a very low profile. “
Camera icon Robert Hughes (bottom left) with his former cast members, including the girl he abused, Sarah Monahan (bottom center). Credit: SuppliedCamera IconRobert Hughes continues to deny any crime. Craig Greenhill Credit: News Corp Australia
The hearing was told that Hughes’ wife, former celebrity talent agent Robyn Gardner, maintained her support for him and had contacted a psychologist who specializes in treating sex offenders like Hughes who maintain his innocence.
In the UK, Hughes will have to notify authorities of his whereabouts and personal circumstances, and his legal representative will tell the court that there would be “significant penalties” if the notice orders are not complied with.
Several of the victims Hughes directed in the 1980s and 1990s, including former co-star Sarah Monahan, were present in court for the hearing and showed no emotion when he appeared via an audiovisual link. on a screen from prison.
“He looked very, very old,” Ms. Monahan told reporters gathered in front of the Parramatta courthouse where the hearing took place.
“Anyone who is going through it and is afraid to go on the track and see them, they do it absolutely because it takes away all their power.
“I wanted you to see me … and not be afraid anymore.”
Camera icon Sarah Monahan played Robert Hughes’ daughter Hey Dad! character. Credit: supplied
“On the one hand, I’d rather have him stay in prison where he’s not hurting the kids, and on the other hand, it’s like, let him go, let it be someone else’s problem and then I don’t to face more. ”
According to court documents, most of Hughes’ crimes were committed before the lead role of widowed father Martin Kelly was achieved in the successful seven-year-old Channel 7 sitcom.
While in prison, Hughes testified that he was subjected to constant verbal and physical abuse, including droppings, urine, and boiling water thrown at him.
Hughes’ parole will expire on January 6, 2025.