Bradley Hughes, a 35-year-old man from Woking, Surrey, was sentenced to 24 years in prison on 30 April 2026 at Guildford Crown Court. He was found guilty of three counts of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against two women following a three-week trial.
Who Is Bradley Hughes?
Bradley Hughes, born 14 January 1991, is a 35-year-old man from Woking in Surrey. He had no significant prior criminal profile before the offences that led to his conviction. The case attracted regional and national media coverage following his conviction, particularly given the extended period over which the offences were committed and the severity of the sentence handed down.
Hughes was described by the sentencing judge and prosecution as having unleashed a prolonged and deeply damaging campaign of abuse against two separate women, causing fear and long-lasting psychological harm to both victims.
What Did Bradley Hughes Do?
Bradley Hughes was convicted of committing serious offences against two women. Against the first victim, Hughes engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour over a sustained period from 2022, making threats and seeking to control various aspects of her life. The pattern of abuse included intimidation and psychological manipulation.
In relation to the second victim, the offences occurred in July 2024. On 26 July 2024, Hughes and the second woman stayed overnight at a hotel in London. During this stay, Hughes accused her of being involved with other men. On returning to the hotel room, he made explicit threats to kill her, her friends, and her former partners, before proceeding to rape her. Hughes was also convicted of stalking and of causing actual bodily harm to this victim.
In total, Hughes was found guilty of three counts of rape, one count of coercive and controlling behaviour, one count of stalking, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The Trial at Guildford Crown Court
The trial lasted three weeks at Guildford Crown Court in Surrey. Both victims gave evidence about the serious harm caused to them during the extended period of abuse. Hughes denied the charges and contested the trial. The jury found him guilty across all counts.
Detective Constable Sarah Bellamy of Surrey Police, who led the investigation, described the case as involving a deeply distressing torrent of abuse that had a lasting impact on both women. Hughes was remanded in custody following the verdict ahead of sentencing.
The 24-Year Sentence
On 30 April 2026, Judge Jonathan Baldwin sentenced Bradley Hughes to a total of 24 years in prison with an additional eight-year extended licence period. The extended licence means that after his custodial term, Hughes will remain subject to supervision and licence conditions for a further eight years, with the possibility of recall to prison if those conditions are breached.
The length of the sentence and the extended licence period reflect the severity and sustained nature of the offending, the number of victims, and the aggravating factors including threats to kill. Hughes was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.
For information about how extended sentences and licence conditions work in England and Wales, including how the Parole Board assesses risk before release, our guide covers the process in detail.
Impact on the Victims
Victim impact statements read in court described the profound and ongoing trauma suffered by both women. The first victim described living in constant fear during the period of Hughes’s coercive and controlling behaviour. The second victim described the lasting psychological harm caused by the events of July 2024 and the fear generated by his threats.
Surrey Police confirmed that specialist support had been made available to both victims throughout the investigation and trial process. The case highlighted the serious and long-lasting consequences of coercive control and sexual violence, and the importance of victims coming forward to report such offences.
If you are supporting a family member who has been sentenced, our guides on booking a prison visit and sending money to a prisoner explain what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bradley Hughes in prison?
Bradley Hughes is in prison because he was convicted of three counts of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, stalking, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm against two women. He was sentenced to 24 years in prison with an eight-year extended licence at Guildford Crown Court on 30 April 2026.
How long is Bradley Hughes in prison for?
Bradley Hughes received a 24-year custodial sentence with an additional eight-year extended licence period on 30 April 2026. The extended licence means he will remain under supervision for eight years after his release, with the possibility of recall to custody if he breaches his licence conditions.
Where is Bradley Hughes from?
Bradley Hughes is from Woking in Surrey. He was born on 14 January 1991 and was 35 years old at the time of his sentencing at Guildford Crown Court on 30 April 2026.
What offences was Bradley Hughes convicted of?
Bradley Hughes was convicted of three counts of rape, one count of coercive and controlling behaviour, one count of stalking, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The offences were committed against two separate women between 2022 and July 2024.
Was Bradley Hughes placed on the Sex Offenders Register?
Yes. As part of his sentence, Bradley Hughes was placed on the Sex Offenders Register. This requires him to notify police of his address and personal details and comply with ongoing monitoring requirements for the duration of his registration period.
