Howard Hughes, convicted of murdering Sophie Hook, seeks to overturn his conviction. This is his fourth attempt.
Hughes is now 59. He is in Full Sutton prison. He already tried to appeal in 1998, 2004, and 2017. The review commission rejected each attempt seeing no real chance to change the verdict. He has a new legal team looking for evidence.
His lawyers are reviewing his 1996 trial records. They hope to find something new. Another appeal could hurt Sophie’s family. Her mom said their loss is irreplaceable; Sophie was a beautiful, fun, and smart child. She gave and got much love.
Sophie was from Great Budworth, Cheshire. She was taken from a tent on July 30, 1995, during a sleepover at her uncle’s in Llandudno. “Mad Howard” watched the kids earlier that day, as The Mirror reported.
He was watching young girls around Llandudno. He even tried to kidnap another child, who escaped. He grabbed Sophie from the tent while everyone slept. Sadly, they found her body the next day on Llandudno beach.
Hughes was from Colwyn Bay. Police knew him for past sexual abuse claims. He confessed to his dad after they caught him. He said he had been sexually frustrated since 1990.
Howard Hughes was found guilty of Sophie’s murder in 1995. The trial took place in Llandudno. His defense claimed there was no hard evidence. They said the sea likely washed it away. The jury still convicted him.
The judge gave him life in prison. Judge Curtis called him a fiend and said his crimes were every parent’s worst fear. He recommended Hughes never be released. Hughes must serve at least 50 years.