Man, 53, charged with manslaughter after ‘true diamond’ mum-of-three, 57, dies on Isle of Man holiday
TRIBUTES are pouring in for a “beautiful” mum who was killed in an alleged attack outside a hotel while on holiday.
Jillian Hughes, 57, died in hospital after an “altercation” in the Isle of Man on Friday night.
Pals are now paying Merseyside tribute to the mum-of-three, who is being hailed as a “true diamond” with a “heart of gold”.
John Meadows, of Verney Crescent in Allerton, today appeared at Douglas Courthouse charged with Jillian’s manslaughter.
He will remain in custody until he appears in court on April 9.
Cops are now urging witnesses to come forward after the horror unfolded outside the Palace Hotel on Central Promenade in Douglas.
Friends of the mum have now told of their shock over her death.
One pal said: “How can this even be real? You were the most beautiful woman to walk this earth, an amazing mum to your three girls, a fabulous nan and a true diamond of a friend to me. You were there for everyone.
“I will miss my rosary beads from around the world because no matter where you went you always brought me a set home.
“This is not a goodbye because I’ll see you when I get there. May you rest in eternal peace Jill.”
Another heartbroken friend said: “Heartbroken, my best friend from school. Heart of gold.
“We always had a catch up when we saw each other and a laugh. Sleep peacefully Jill Hughes, going to miss your smile and laugh. Thinking of your lovely family.”
Another person said: “Heartbroken for them. Such a lovely woman, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone. Sleep peacefully.”
Isle of Man Police are now asking anyone who saw a group of people walking with a small child on Friday night to come forward.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Maddocks yesterday said in a statement on Sunday: “I would like to thank the public for their help in relation to this matter. A number of witnesses have come forward following my appeal yesterday and I would encourage any other people who have yet come forward to do so.
“I am interested to hear from anyone who saw the man and woman in their 50s, together with another man and woman in their 20s, who had a small child with them.
“I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who saw the group as they passed the Castlemona Shops and their actions as they passed the Palace Hotel & Casino, which is where the Majestic Chinese Restaurant is located and the patrons inside the restaurant may well have witnessed an altercation between them.”
He continued: “Again, I appeal to any vehicle driver, either a member of the public or a taxi driver travelling along Central and Queens Promenade between 9pm and 10pm who may have dash cam footage to come forward.
“Specialist Police Family Liaison Officers are supporting the family at what is a very difficult and sad time.”
Members of the public with any information can call the Isle of Man’s police headquarters on 631212 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.
Isle of Man Police's initial statement:
A 53-year-old man from the Merseyside area has been charged with Manslaughter in connection with the death of a woman on Friday 29th March 2024 and will appear in Court on Monday 1st April 2024.
This was following an altercation that occurred outside the Palace Hotel on Central Promenade, Douglas near to the junction of Palace View Terrace.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Maddocks, who is leading the investigation said, “I would like to thank the public for their help in relation to this matter. In particular I would like to thank all of the witnesses who have come forward following my appeal yesterday including the couple who were stood at the bus stop who are now helping us with our enquiries. I would encourage any other people who have yet come forward to do so. I am interested to hear from anyone who saw the man and woman in their 50s, together with another man and woman in their 20s, who had a small child with them. I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who saw the group as they passed the Castlemona Shops and their actions as they passed the Palace Hotel & Casino, which is where the Majestic Chinese Restaurant is located and the patrons inside the restaurant may well have witnessed an altercation between them.
Again, I appeal to any vehicle driver, either a member of the public or a taxi driver travelling along Central and Queens Promenade between 9pm and 10pm who may have dash cam footage to come forward. Specialist Police Family Liaison Officers are supporting the family at what is a very difficult and sad time”.
Members of the public can call Police Headquarters on 631212 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.