Hughes 'had to be prime suspect' Longed-for son was a problem that went from bad to worse

EVERYONE knew him as Mad Howard. That was clear even on August 5 last year, when Howard Hughes first appeared before Llandudno magistrates charged with the murder of Sophie Hook.

Girls in the crowd outside fell over themselves to explain his nickname. "He's a pervert and he spits at you," said one. "He hangs round with little lads, never with anyone of his own age. On the day of the murder everyone knew it was him."

Vanessa Burn, aged 26, had had the same thought. "Howard had to be a prime suspect," she said. "Everyone knew he liked little girls."

Liz Kelly, whose garden backs on to that of the Hughes...