Hey Dad star Robert Hughes has been sentenced to 10 years and 9 months behind bars for the historic child sex offences of four young girls
FOR years former television star Robert Hughes lived happily, "increasingly confident" his victims would stay silent about his "brazen" and "predatory" litany of sexual abuse.
But the stony faced 65-year-old actor — who yesterday learned he will be behind bars until at least 2020 — now lives in "fear for his safety" and is "at risk of significant harm" from the prisoners he will spend at least six years with.
VICTIM: SARAH MONAHAN 'PRETTY HAPPY' WITH JAIL TERM
Judge Peter Zahra fixed a total sentence of 10 years and nine months on the former Hey Dad! star for "engaging in a systematic pattern of abuse upon young girls over a number of years".
'Hey Dad', actors Ben Oxenbould, Julie McGregor, Robert Hughes Sarah Monahan, Mathew Krok and Rachael Beck in 1992. Source: News Limited
Christopher Truswell, Simone Buchanan, Julie McGregor, Sarah Monahan and Ben Oxenbould on the set of Nine's A Current Affair Source: Supplied
"There is no evidence the offender remained troubled by his conduct," Judge Zahra said, referring to the years Hughes enjoyed his life and work overseas, as some of his victims struggled with eating disorders, anxiety and a belief "that the world is a cold, evil place".
The nearly two-hour sentence in the Sydney District Court was delivered in front of a packed courtroom, including some of Hughes' victims, and a crowded public gallery.
Missing was Hughes' partner of almost 40 years, Robyn Gardiner — a celebrity agent with a clientele which includes Cate Blanchett — who has returned to London.
Judge Zahra said Hughes "engaged in predatory behaviour" and his "calculating" crimes were forced upon vulnerable victims — one of whom told the court she had followed his instructions because "I was scared, you do what adults tell you to do".
Judge Zahra said Hughes had "exploited the naivety and youth" of his victims "to ensure their compliance".
Cast of TV show Hey Dad, including Robert Hughes, Sarah Monahan and Simone Buchanan on set Source: Supplied
Robin Gardiner, wife of Robert Hughes, gave evidence in his defence at child sex trial. Picture: Brad Hunter Source: News Corp Australia
One of Hughes' victims, former child actor Sarah Monahan Morris, welcomed the sentence after following the court case on Twitter from her new base in Texas. The man who played her on-screen father on the popular Channel 7 series, which ran from 1987 to 1994, engaged in "sexual misconduct" with the then 11-year-old the court heard, and exposed his penis to her backstage.
"Everyone said he would just get a slap on the wrist so I'm actually pretty happy. I'm happy the girls have been believed. It's a good day,'' she said.
"I'm not a vengeful person but I hope he realises he's a very, very bad man."
The court heard tendered evidence from other women who alleged "sexual misconduct" on the actor's behalf and the judge said those accusations — for which he didn't stand trial — meant Hughes' behaviour had spanned 20 years.
Robert Hughes arrives at the Downing Centre with his wife Robyn Gardiner. Picture: Adam Taylor Source: News Corp Australia
Judge Zahra said the sentence he imposed would not "represent" what is considered appropriate now for crimes of sexual and indecent assault, but that he was bound by previous "statutory regimes and sentencing patterns".
The court heard Hughes' treatment of one victim, whom he molested at his family home, was "degrading and shameful".
He said the first victim, a family friend who was assaulted in her bedroom after Hughes crept in while dining with her parents in the early 1980s, "was entitled to safety and the sanctuary of her own home".
Hughes' lawyer Greg Walsh said they would appeal both the conviction and sentence.
"I think you would describe it as a crushing sentence," he said, adding the actor and his family were "devastated".
He said Hughes feared prison: "Jail isn't a very pleasant place."
He said Robyn Gardiner, despite being in London, would support her partner.
Hughes hid against the wall of the dock for most of the sentence and said nothing as Judge Zahra delivered his fate. Now it is he who suffers in silence.
Charles Billich is one of the most prominent living Australian painters sketched a portrait of Sarah Monahan at the Billich Gallery in The Rocks. Source: News Corp Australia
HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED
MARCH 2010: Hey Dad! Cast member Sarah Monahan alleges that Hughes had engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour on the set of the show. Fellow cast members Ben Oxenbould and Simone Buchanan supported her claims. Police announce formation of strike force to investigate the claims later that month
SEPTEMBER 2010: Reports that more than 100 people interviewed in relation to the allegations
MARCH 2011: Hughes' daughter rejects allegations in an interview broadcast by A Current Affair from another victim, who claimed she had also been molested by the former star.
AUGUST 2012: Hughes arrested in London with NSW Government seeking his extradition to Australia.
DECEMBER 2012: After being extradited to Australia, Hughes charged with 11 counts of child sexual abuse and released on bail.
FEBRUARY 2014: Trial starts and Hughes pleads not guilty to 11 charges.
APRIL 2014: Jury finds Hughes guilty on two counts of sexual assault, seven counts of indecent assault and a count of committing an indecent act. No outcome was recorded on the final charge, which resulted in a hung jury.
MAY 16, 2014: Hughes sentenced to 10 years and nine months' jail with a six-year minimum non-parole period.
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