A football club boss described as a 'manipulative and ruthless paedophile' has been locked up indefinitely.

Ken Hughes, 65, who was the founder and long-standing chairman of Oldham Town Football Club, sexually abused 12 young boys over a period of almost 40 years.

He admitted 39 separate offences.

Manchester's Minshull Street Court heard that Hughes lured his victims with alcohol, cigarettes and cash.

Judge Mort was told most of the offences were involved with the sports club he started in the early 1960s.

Sentencing Hughes, Judge Timothy Mort said he would have to serve an absolute minimum of seven years in prison before he could be considered for parole.

He said: "The likelihood is that you will serve substantially more before a parole board considers you for release."

Who else has been locked up in May? Sentences and photo gallery

The Judge said he accepted that Hughes had done positive work in the community by running the football club.

But he said: "There was however, another side to your character, and it has to be said you were a manipulative and ruthless paedophile.

"These youngsters were allowed into your care because you were trusted, and you horribly abused that trust.

"Instead you ruthlessly groomed them and planned your sexual acts."

Hughes, of White Bank Road, Limeside, Oldham, had been arrested in 1997 following a complaint made against him, but he lied to police, claiming to be innocent. No proceedings were brought, and he went on to target a further seven youngsters.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, said: "There was significant planning and grooming. Most of his victims were lured and encouraged with gifts, holidays, free food, cigarettes and drink. Drink was invariably alcohol.

"Not only was this an exciting and welcome novelty to teenage boys. In many cases boys were rendered drunk, which it is submitted, must have been his intention.

"Most corrupting of all, was Hughes's offer of cash to the boys, with payments of cash for sexual services. In many cases, he effectively caused boys to prostitute themselves."

Mr Bassano said many victims had suffered serious psychological harm as a result of what happened to them

Hughes pleaded guilty to 21 indecent assaults, six charges of indecency with a child, four of paying for the sexual services of a child, three charges of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, three charges of sexual activity with a child, one of inciting a child to commit a sex act, and one of incitement to commit indecency.

The offences ranged between the early 1980s and as recently as last year.

The court was told that one of his victims still has flash-backs, and hears Hughes's taunting voice telling him: "Nobody will ever believe you." Another had self harmed, and made attempts on his own life.

Paul McDonald defending, said that Hughes had shown genuine remorse, but accepted he could not turn back the clock. He said: "From the moment of his arrest last year, he has known that effectively his life is over."

Who else has been locked up in May? Sentences and photo gallery

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