Leigh man sentenced for murder after using champagne bottle in assault

As previously reported by the Journal, Dean Hughes, 46, formerly of Church Road in Bickershaw, was charged with the murder of Shane Maloney after an assault almost five years ago.

The incident dates back to November 8, 2019, with police called to reports of a disturbance at an address on Wigan Road in Leigh.

After an argument and fight broke out between the pair, a large Magnum-sized champagne bottle was used to inflict a fatal blow to Maloney's head, along with other blows across the body.

The 26-year-old was rushed to hospital for severe brain injuries and after never fully recovering from the incident, passed away in March 2021, 15 months after the incident.

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Shane Maloney passed away in March 2021 (Image: Shane Maloney)
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Hughes was recorded on police body cameras saying “don’t underestimate a short a***” and “I’m trained and I’m teached how to kill”, along with “payback’s a b****” while under the influence of drink and drugs.

When officers and first-aid responders arrived, Shane was found unconscious outside in the garden after being dragged and left there by Hughes and was arrested at the scene on suspicion of assault.

After already pleading guilty to an assault regarding the same incident, Hughes has already been serving an eight year term at HMP Risley.

Following Maloney's death, a murder trial at Manchester Crown Court took place last week, with a jury finding Hughes unanimously guilty.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 16 years.

The champagne bottle used to strike Maloney (Image: GMP)
Detective Inspector Chris Preston from GMP’s Wigan district said; “This is a really sad and upsetting case that has had devastating consequences for those who knew and loved Shane.

“Hughes actions on that night have rightly been brought to justice and shows that his intentions on that night were cause to serious harm to Shane with no regard to those around him or what he did.

“Our investigation has always had the family of Shane at the heart of it and would like to pass on our condolences once again, as they sadly must come to terms with losing Shane in such distressing circumstances over a prolonged period of time, always hoping, praying and giving him the best quality of life, he could have despite the injuries he sustained at the time.

“As a force we remain committed on investigating and solving crime around serious assaults and despite the tragic story around this, hopefully sends a stark reminder to everyone that your actions can have far reaching consequences.”

Dean Hughes has been sentenced to life in prison (Image: GMP)