Taken from tent, raped and murdered ... the crime that broke the nation's heart (From Warrington Guardian)

Taken from tent, raped and murdered ... the crime that broke the nation's heart

THE murder of Sophie Hook was dubbed the crime that broke the nation's heart.

Her naked body was found by a man walking his dog on a beach in Llandudno in 1995.

Howard Hughes - known locally as Mad Howard - had abducted the seven-year-old schoolgirl from a tent where she was sleeping with friends.

He was jailed for life at Chester Crown Court in 1996.

Mr Justice Curtis described him as a 'fiend' who should never be released.

He appealed against his conviction in 1998, but lost.

His defence barrister Mr Patrick

Harrington QC said there was no evidence on Sophie's body to link Hughes to the crime.

However, The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Bingham, dismissed the appeal saying the case against Hughes was 'strengthened immeasurably' after he had told his dad where Sophie's nightdress was.

His father also told police that his son had confessed to the murder.

"Sir, I never made a confession. Sir, I never made a confession," he shouted from the dock.

Hughes, of Verburgh Avenue, Colwyn Bay, did not have any previous convictions.