Fallen Hey Dad! actor Robert Hughes granted parole

Disgraced Hey Dad! actor and convicted paedophile Robert Hughes will be deported to the United Kingdom after being granted parole today, June 2,

The 73-year-old has been in prison for 8 years since his conviction in 2014.

Hughes was found guilty of 10 sexual and indecent assault charges in the 1980s, including sexual intercourse without consent. His victims were between the ages of seven and 15 years old at the time.

Just to hand..

Convicted paedophile and former Hey Dad! actor Robert Hughes has been granted parole and will be deported to the United Kingdom.

Hughes has been in prison since 2014, after he was found guilty of 10 sexual and indecent assault offences committed in the 1980s.

— David Taylor (@DaveTaylorNews) June 2, 2022

The defamed actor has been denied freedom twice already, despite being eligible for parole since April 2020.

Hughes has until June 14 to leave the country after losing his Australian citizenship and the federal government cancelled his residency visa.

In a statement released by the NSW State Parole Authority, Hughes was granted parole on account of being classed as a low risk to the community.

“On the totality of the available material the Authority is satisfied release to parole is in the interests of the safety of the community. Release at this time presents as the only sensible course,” the statement read.

“The offences are historical. The last of the charged offences took place three decades ago. The offences took place in particular settings in which the offender abused his power and his position of trust. He no longer enjoys such power or trust, as a direct consequence of the convictions and the consequent widespread adverse publicity, notwithstanding his defiant denials.

“The offender has been assessed as below-average risk. He intends to live with his wife and does not intend to seek employment.”

During a public hearing held in Sydney for the former sitcom star on May 27, Hughes’ lawyer Hannah Bruce presented evidence of the reoffending risk, saying he has “consistently been assessed as either medium, below risk or low risk of reoffending”.

“Whilst in custody it makes him ineligible for programs, he is ineligible for any sex offender programs … there are no further programs that he can complete whilst in custody that would go to reducing his risk of reoffending,” she said.

“It’s not a situation where he will be completely unmonitored when released to the community.

“He’s a gentleman towards the end of his years. His focus on release is maintaining a very low profile.”

The ABC reported that Hughes will be transferred from Long Bay Correctional Centre to Villawood Detention Centre while he awaits deportation.