Three more say ‘we were beast victims’

JAILED . . . perverted Ken Hughes

THREE more men have come forward claiming they, too, were victims of jailed child sex beast Ken Hughes.

The young men claim they were subjected to years of abuse by the disgraced former Oldham Town FC chairman who was locked up indefinitely a week ago.

They have spoken out after Hughes was convicted of luring boys aged from seven to 15 with alcohol, cigarettes, cash and holidays.

Hughes (65), of Whitebank Road, Limeside, admitted 39 offences against 12 victims from 1967 to last September.

The lawyer representing some of his prey had appealed for witnesses to come forward and help one of her clients in his fight for compensation.

Angela Dobbs, who specialises in helping victims of violent and sexual crimes, was then called by three others who claim they were abused by Hughes.

She said: “At least one of the victims who contacted me has never reported the incident to the police.

“The sad truth is there could be many more like him out there as the true extent of this despicable man’s crimes begins to come to light.”

Miss Dobbs, a partner with Manchester law firm Fentons Solicitors, said her client suffered panic attacks and struggled to sleep because of what had happened to him.

He plucked up the courage to tell police of his years of suffering last November.

The 22-year-old is now pursuing a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Miss Dobbs said it was unlikely Hughes would be prosecuted for any new offences.

But police could use any new information when he is considered for parole and she added: “It’s not too late for some of these victims to obtain a sense of closure, and hold Hughes to account for what he did to them.

“Even if they do not wish to report it to police, their information could still be of help to other victims. It has taken a long time for these young men to find the strength to talk about what happened to them, and we hope that the bravery they have shown in breaking their silence will inspire anyone who might be able to help to now come forward.

“These events caused unimaginable suffering to a great many people, and the victims are still living with the effects of what Hughes did to them. We desperately need help if we are going to succeed in winning justice on their behalf.”