Following his trial, it was revealed that Hughes had been linked to multiple sex attacks against children but police had been unable to prosecute either because of a lack of evidence or because the victims' parents had wanted to spare their children further ordeal in court. As Hughes was sentenced, Mr Justice Richard Curtis said: "You are a fiend. Your crime is every parent's worst nightmare come to pass... No girl is, or ever will be, safe from you. My recommendation in view of your appalling crime and the maximum danger you pose to girls, is that you are never, ever released." In November 2002 Home Secretary David Blunkett ruled that Hughes would have to serve a minimum term of 50 years in prison before he could be considered for parole.