Christopher Hughes on trial accused of murdering Dutch crime writer Martin Kok in Amsterdam

A man has gone on trial accused of murdering a ‘well known’ Dutch crime writer.

Christopher Hughes, 33, is accused of killing Martin Kok, 49, at the Boccaccio club near Amsterdam on December 8 2016.

It is also alleged that he attempted to murder Mr Kok earlier that same day.

Hughes also faces three charges which span an eight-year period between December 2011 and January 2020.

Hughes is further accused of being involved in the importation and supply of cocaine between December 2011 and January 2020.

It is alleged that he was in possession of firearms and firearm accessories for the purpose of supplying them to others, and for using them to commit acts of violence.

He is also accused of engaging in various other activities associated with serious organised crime, including leasing property and buying vehicles under false names, storing and concealing money, and transporting money, drugs and firearms.

Hughes denies the charges at the High Court in Glasgow.

The court heard from detective inspector Michael Lochrie, 33, who is part of a team investigating Operation Escalade.

This was described as “serious organised crime connected by a group of people in Scotland and the UK involving information from prosecuting authorities in Europe.”

Prosecutor Liam Ewing asked DI Lochrie what Mr Kok’s occupation was before his death.

He replied: “A Dutch journalist and crime blogger.”

Mr Ewing said: “It would be fair to say that he published details about organised criminals which journalists would not publish?”

DI Lochrie replied: “Yes” and agreed that it was “quite often sensationalist.”

Mr Ewing followed up: “It would be known by the inquiry looking at his death that he was a man who attracted anger and rage from people involved in serious organised crime?”

DI Lochrie stated: “Yes” and later added that Mr Kok was also a “well known” public figure.

Mr Ewing asked: “By the time you joined, the inquiry was ongoing but your particular involvement, among other things, was the death of Mr Kok?”

DI Lochrie replied: “Yes.”

Mr Ewing asked DI Lochrie if he had dealings with Hughes which he replied: “Yes.”

The trial continues tomorrow before judge Lady Scott.