Family holiday hell as gran killed by partner in front of granddaughter

Jillian Hughes travelled to the Isle of Man with members of her family, including her granddaughter, for what should have been an enjoyable Easter weekend holiday.

A dream family holiday to the Isle of Man turned to horror after a gran was killed by her partner. Jillian Hughes, 57, visited the island with several relatives, including her granddaughter, intent on enjoying their stay from Friday, March 29, 2024.

What began as a getaway turned into a nightmare just hours into the trip. An argument outside Douglas' Palace Hotel at around 9.20pm resulted in Jill being struck by John Meadows, her partner.

Jill died in hospital shortly afterwards, reports the Liverpool Echo. On Friday October 11, Meadows was sentenced to five years and eight months imprisonment for his manslaughter plea at Douglas Courthouse.

Reflecting on the incident, Detective Superintendent Steve Maddocks from the Isle of Man Constabulary stated: "On Friday, March 29, 2024, Jillian (Jill) Hughes from Kirkby in Liverpool, travelled to the Isle of Man with members of her family, including her granddaughter, for what should have been an enjoyable Easter weekend holiday.

"Jill never returned home after she was killed by her partner, John Meadows. It is clear having met Jill's family that the huge void that has been left by her death will never be filled. They are a close, loving family and life will never be the same for them, especially for Jill's mum and dad, sister, brother and three daughters.

"The family have been dignified throughout what must be a truly awful time. I would like to thank my team for all their hard work and dedication and also our colleagues in Merseyside Police family liaison officers and victim support both on the Island and in the UK for helping to get justice for Jill."

In a heartfelt statement, the Hughes family said: "Our Jill was one in a million. She was such a happy, sarcastic, hardworking and passionate person. Jill came to the Isle of Man for the Easter Holiday over the weekend, the first night ended in tragedy.

"We want everyone to know that Jill was a well-respected mum of three to Chantelle, Sarah and Megan; also nan to Billy, Georgie and Maiya. Jill was a true diamond who thrived for life. She was liked and loved everywhere she went, her huge smile would light up a room.

"We as a family will never ever be able to come to terms with what has happened, we are all living a complete nightmare. This killing should never have taken place.

"Jill's mum, dad and family would like to thank Det Supt Steve Maddocks, Det Con Stephanie Leece and the Isle of Man Constabulary for all your work and dedication to get justice for our Jill. Also, Nobles Hospital and Ian for looking after Jill whilst we were waiting for her to be released to come home to Liverpool.

"Thank you also to all those that came forward in the help to get justice for our Jill, we can't thank you all enough. Thank you to everyone for the kind wishes and support during this difficult time.

"Shine bright our Jill. Thank you, The Hughes Family."

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