Terrence Hulme, an 88-year-old convicted child rapist described as a "monster" by one of his victims, died in hospital just months into his 18-year prison sentence. Hulme was serving time at HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales, when he became unwell and passed away on September 20, 2024, from central nervous system lymphoma, a rare cancer of the brain or spinal cord, with ischaemic heart disease also contributing.
Sentenced for historic sex crimes
In October 2023, Hulme was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to 18 years in prison for a campaign of rapes and sexual assaults committed against a child in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. He first abused his victim when she was just two years old, continuing until her teenage years, and used threats of violence to keep her silent. He was also found to have sexually abused a second young girl who had kept her suffering hidden for decades.
Hulme denied all allegations, forcing his victims to testify. In victim impact statements read to court, one woman called him a "monster" and "vile and depraved," saying she had spent decades "suppressing the horrors of my early life." The second victim said she never reported the abuse out of fear of not being believed.
Death in custody investigation
As is standard with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigated Hulme's death. A report found he died of central nervous system lymphoma, with ischaemic heart disease as a contributing factor. Clinical care at HMP Parc was reviewed by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, which determined that the care Hulme received was "equivalent to that which he could have expected to receive in the community."
The reviewer noted that Hulme had access to a range of health services and received "appropriate care." Eight recommendations were made by the clinical reviewer, though the report did not specify the nature of these recommendations.
Conviction and sentence
Terrence Hulme, previously of Arael View, Abertillery, was convicted at trial of 10 counts of rape and three of indecent assault. The offences occurred at various locations. Judge Daniel Williams told Hulme that the "grave nature" of his offending did not allow the court to act mercifully, stating that the defendant had "waged a campaign of rape" against one victim and "routinely used violence" to prevent her from reporting the abuse. Hulme was ordered to serve up to two-thirds of his 18-year sentence in custody before being considered for release.
