0/5

Robert Hughes found guilty

Former Hey Dad! star guilty of 2 counts of sexual assault and 7 counts of indecent assault.

2014-04-07_1559Former Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes has been found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and seven counts of indecent assault.

A jury agreed that between 1983 and 1991, the actor molested three girls aged between six or seven and 15.

Hughes, 65, is now facing a jail term. The jury delivered its verdict after a trial lasting almost six weeks at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.

Fairfax reports he sat shaking his head and crying in the dock as the jury declared its verdict. He appeared to be saying ‘‘no, no, no’’ over and over. As the jury left he shouted, ‘‘I am innocent!’’

The jury remains undecided on two counts of committing an indecent act relating to two other victims and has been directed to  retire and deliberate on the remaining charges. Judge Peter Zahra said he will accept a major verdict on the two charges if they can’t come up with a unanimous verdict.

The trial heard from multiple witnesses that Hughes’ regularly and repeatedly exposed himself to young women.

A number of members of the TV show’s wardrobe staff spoke of his habit of napping naked in his dressing room, having instructed staff to come in and wake him up.

The jury rejected Hughes’ claim that many of the allegations against him were the result of rumours allegedly spread through a school that some of the complainants attended.

The allegations were first made public through interviews with former child star Sarah Monahan with a magazine and later extensive interviews on A Current Affair, including with former co-stars.

Hughes was arrested and granted bail in London in August 2012, following a two-year international investigation.

Source: Fairfax, News Corp, ABC