Former “Hey Dad!” star Robert Hughes is expected to appeal his sentence of up to 10 years and 9 months for sexually abusing children in incidents dating back to his former sitcom’s run in the 1980s.  If the appeal fails he’ll serve 6 years at the very least.

The judge recounted the crimes in announcing the sentence, noting that the victims were aged between seven and 15 years old at the time.  He said Hughes was “brazen” and “predatory” in his assaults.

Victims told the court of how Hughes would place their hands on his genitals, have them swim between his legs with his trunks pulled down, and walk around naked in front of them during sleepovers at his home.  Now grown women, the victims said the abuse ruined their lives, and made future relationships difficult it not impossible.  One said she refused to have children because of the emotional trauma.

The judge says Hughes doesn’t show great promise for rehabilitation as he refuses to admit his crimes.  Hughes is in protective custody in jail, fearing for his safety if he were placed in he general population.