Man accused of murdering Dutch crime writer 'used false passport'

Christopher Hughes allegedly used the document after a warrant was granted for his arrest.

Christopher Hughes allegedly used false passport after warrant granted for his arrest iStock

A man who allegedly murdered a Dutch crime writer is said to have used a false passport after a warrant was granted for his arrest.

Christopher Hughes, 33, allegedly shot Martin Kok, 49, outside a sex club in the town of Laren in the Netherlands on December 8, 2016.

Jurors at the High Court in Glasgow were told that a petition warrant was issued for Hughes’ arrest in November 2018.

Police Scotland were alerted by European authorities that a passport was later used.

Prosecutor Liam Ewing QC asked witness detective inspector Michael Lochrie, 33, for the name on the passport.

He replied: “Alexis Rustenovs.”

The witness stated he was involved in the arrest of Hughes having traced him to Turin, Italy, in January 2020.

He claimed that he came into possession of a variety of documents.

A Latvian passport was shown to jurors with the name ‘Alexis Rustenovs’.

Mr Ewing asked DI Lochrie who the man was in the passport picture.

He replied: “Christopher Hughes.”

Mr Ewing then asked about a Latvian driving licence also seized with the same name.

He said: “Do you recognise this man?”

DI Lochrie replied: “Christopher Hughes.”

An Irish passport form from October 2019 bearing the name ‘Dwane Parton’ and a picture was shown to the jury.

Mr Ewing asked: “Do you recognise the person shown in this picture?”

The witness replied: “Christopher Hughes.”

A British passport with the name Christopher John Hughes was lastly displayed to the jury on the screen. 

Hughes’ QC Donald Findlay put it to DI Lochrie that Mr Kok was a murderer.

He asked: “As for the Dutch authorities, how many people did Mr Kok kill?”

The witness said: “Two.”

It was suggested that there was a third person which the witness said he was “not aware” of.

It was also said that Mr Kok had served time in custody. 

Hughes is also charged with attempted murder and being involved in serious organised crime in locations including Scotland, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Italy as well as Holland.

He is further accused of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

The trial continues before judge Lady Scott.

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