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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Dan Haygarth

Five men charged with conspiracy to commit murder

Five men have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder of a dad in Skelmersdale.

Christopher Hughes, 37, was found dead off White Moss Road South in the Lancashire town on February 22 and a post mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple serious injuries.

Shortly after 4.30pm on Friday, February 18, a member of the public reported seeing a man being forced into the back of a vehicle on Almond Grove in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan.

READ MORE: Man charged with attempted murder after Toxteth shooting

Lancashire Police officers were then called to White Moss Road South, in Skelmersdale at around 11am on Tuesday, February 22, where they found a body - now identified as Christopher Hughes, from Wigan.

Now, five men have been charged with conspiracy to commit Christopher's murder.

Alan Jaf (01/09/70) of Ridyard Street, Wigan; Khalil Awla (01/01/74) of Greenwood Avenue, Wigan; Erland Spahiu (13/10/88) of Uppingham, Skelmersdale; Curtis Balbas (01/01/92) of Matheson Drive, Wigan and Dean Smeaton O'Neill-Davey (12/08/92) of Bulteel Street, Wigan all appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court this morning (March 5) and have been remanded in custody until their next hearing at Manchester Crown Court on April 8.

Tributes for Christopher poured in when three men were arrested in connection with his kidnap and death.

Christopher's mum, Susan, paid tribute to her son and described him as "loving".

Susan said: "The family of Chris wish everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time and are heartbroken at the loss of their loving son, father, brother and uncle.

"He will leave a part in the family that can never be filled. RIP Christopher David Hughes."

Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, June Chiocchi-Smith said: "So sorry for your loss. RIP Christopher."

Ellen Ruth Jones added: "Heartbreaking RIP young man."

Julia Cooke also said: "So sad for you and your family. God bless Christopher."

Jayne Archer said: "So sorry for the loss of your beautiful son sending hugs an prayers to his mum and family."

Dawn Hughes added: "So very sorry for your sad loss."

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