Loyal wife by actor Robert Hughes' side as child sex charge ordeal begins

FORMER Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes yesterday started his new life as a man on remand, clutching his wife's hand as he fulfilled his bail conditions and reported to police for the first time.

Robyn Gardiner made it plain she is standing by her husband, holding his hand as he left Surry Hills police station following the early morning report.

She has stayed as close to Hughes' side as possible this week since his extradition to Sydney to face 11 child sex charges.

The couple arrived at the station shortly before 8am and left again within minutes. Mr Hughes donned a cap and sunglasses and Ms Gardiner, a prominent show-business agent to celebrities including Cate Blanchett, wore a wide brimmed black and white striped hat and sunglasses.

When approached by The Daily Telegraph Mr Hughes gave no response to questions. In a clear show of unity, they walked though the city hand in hand, with Mr Hughes occasionally placing his arm around his wife as they strode through Hyde Park back to their upmarket hotel in Kent St - where the couple will live as Mr Hughes prepares for trial.


The 64-year-old flew into Sydney early on Thursday morning after his extradition from London and within hours was charged with 11 offences against five alleged victims over a six-year period dating back to 1984.

Court documents allege Mr Hughes abused five different girls in various locations across northern Sydney, and at least two of the charges directly coincide with his time on the show.

He left the prime time series in 1994 after seven years on the cast.

He was granted bail in Central Local Court on Thursday, and will report to Surry Hills police station three times a week.

Mr Hughes, who cut a forlorn figure in the courtroom dock, has already surrendered his passport and his wife has posted his $50,000 bail surety.

Magistrate Julie Huber said it was clear Hughes wasn't a flight risk, given he had handed himself in to police in London.

He will face court again on January 29.

Mr Hughes' solicitor Greg Walsh said his client was "residing in a room not much bigger than a (prison) cell".

"It (the court case) is going to very difficult for him ... it's a very difficult life," he said.

Mr Hughes, described by his lawyer as a "determined and resolute man ... (though) a quiet sort of person", is expected to plead not guilty to the sex assault charges next year.

The brief of evidence, to be tendered in court next year, will include statements from all the alleged victims. As many as seven officers have worked on the case for the past two years.

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