Man, 53, is charged with manslaughter after death of mother-of-three, 57, with a 'heart of gold' on holiday on the Isle of Man
- Jillian Hughes, 57, died in hospital after an altercation outside the Palace Hotel
Tributes have been paid to a mother-of-three with a 'heart of gold' who died following an alleged assault outside a hotel on the Isle of Man.
Jillian Hughes, 57, died in hospital after an altercation outside the Palace Hotel on Central Promenade in Douglas on Friday night.
John Meadows, 53, of Verney Crescent in Allerton, appeared at Douglas Courthouse on Monday charged with manslaughter.
No application was made for bail and he was remanded until his next court appearance on April 9.
Friends of Jillian, who was on holiday at the time, have paid tribute to an 'amazing' mother, a 'fabulous' grandmother and a 'beautiful' woman.
One friend 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!
Jillian Hughes, from Merseyside, died after an alleged assault outside Palace Hotel on Central Promenade, Douglas, on the Isle of Man at around 9.20pm on Friday, March 29
'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 friend said: 'Heartbroken for them. Such a lovely woman, had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. Loved by everyone. Sleep peacefully.'
One friend wrote: '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.'
A fourth said: 'So sad. The most thoughtful, lovely woman I know. RIP Jill thinking of your girls, and grandchildren and family. Heartbreaking news.'
Another wrote: 'So sad such a lovely girl. Thinking of all your family.'
Detective Superintendent Stephen Maddocks said in a statement on Sunday: 'I would like to thank the public for their help in relation to this matter.
An altercation took place outside the Palace Hotel (pictured) on Central Promenade in Douglas on Friday night
'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.
