Police Hunt Man With Nicola Tattoo, Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• The 47-year-old Philip Hughes did not show up in Liverpool Crown Court on 13 November 2025 and was convicted in absentia
• Wanted for malicious communications and possession of a controlled class B drug
• Hughes has a tattoo with the word “NICOLA” on his right arm and is 6ft 2in tall with a muscular built, fair-haired and blue-eyed
• It is believed that Hughes might have fled to Islington, London, with connections in Huyton, Knowsley
• This is the second time an appeal has been made regarding Hughes, following the issuing of a no-bail warrant for him for not turning up
• Merseyside Police urges anyone with any information to contact them through social media or Crimestoppers hotline at 0800 555 111 (ref: 25000052581)

Liverpool Police (Liverpool standard) September 04, 2026 — Merseyside Police have renewed their appeal for information to locate Philip Hughes, a man who has been on the run for 10 months after failing to appear for sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court. Hughes was sentenced in his absence on 13 November 2025 for malicious communications and possession of a controlled class B drug, and has remained at large since.

Who is Philip Hughes and what are the charges against him?

Philip Hughes, aged 47, is wanted by Merseyside Police on two counts: malicious communications and possession of a controlled class B drug. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Hughes failed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 13 November last year, and was subsequently sentenced in his absence.

According to police statements, Hughes was issued a no-bail warrant after his failure to attend court. This marks the second public appeal issued by Merseyside Police in relation to Hughes, indicating an ongoing effort to locate him after nearly a year on the run.

What does Philip Hughes look like and where might he be?

Merseyside Police have provided a detailed physical description of Hughes to aid in his identification. He is described as 6ft 2in tall with a heavy build, fair hair, and blue eyes. His most distinguishing feature is a tattoo reading “NICOLA” on his right arm, which police believe could help members of the public identify him.

Regarding his possible whereabouts, police believe Hughes may currently be in the Islington area of London. He also has established links to Huyton in Knowsley, Merseyside, where he is known to have connections.

How can the public help locate Philip Hughes?

A Merseyside Police spokesperson issued a statement urging anyone who sees Hughes or holds any information about his whereabouts to come forward. As reported by a police spokesperson: “If you see him or hold any information, contact us via @MerPolCC on X, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with reference 25000052581.”

Police have emphasised that information can be provided through multiple channels, including social media platforms and the independent Crimestoppers service, which allows individuals to report information anonymously without providing personal details.

Why has Philip Hughes been on the run for 10 months?

Hughes has remained at large since 13 November 2025, when he failed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court for his sentencing. Following his absence, the court sentenced him in his absence for the charges of malicious communications and possession of a controlled class B drug.

The fact that this is the second appeal issued for Hughes suggests that previous efforts to locate him have not been successful. Police issued a no-bail warrant after his initial failure to appear, indicating the seriousness with which the court and law enforcement view his absence.

What are malicious communications and class B drug possession offences?

Malicious communications offences typically involve sending or delivering communications that are indecent, grossly offensive, threatening, or contain false information with the intent to cause distress or anxiety to the recipient. These offences are prosecuted under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and can carry significant penalties depending on the severity of the communication.

Possession of a controlled class B drug refers to the unlawful possession of substances classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as class B, which includes drugs such as cannabis, ketamine, and certain amphetamines. Class B drug possession can result in up to five years imprisonment, an unlimited fine, or both, depending on the circumstances of the offence.

Background of the Development

The case of Philip Hughes represents a typical example of defendants failing to appear for court sentencing, a phenomenon that has challenged court systems across England and Wales. According to Ministry of Justice statistics, thousands of defendants fail to appear for court dates annually, with some remaining at large for extended periods. The use of distinctive physical features, such as Hughes’ “NICOLA” tattoo, has become an increasingly common tactic in police appeals, as such identifying marks can significantly improve public recognition and reporting rates.

Merseyside Police have previously used similar appeal strategies for other wanted individuals, including publishing detailed physical descriptions and known locations. The force has maintained a public list of wanted individuals, with Hughes appearing among 34 Merseyside men currently sought by police as of August 2026. The integration of social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, into police appeal strategies has expanded the reach of such notices, allowing for rapid dissemination of information to local and national audiences.

Prediction: How This Development May Affect Local Communities and Law Enforcement

The continued absence of Philip Hughes and similar cases may have several implications for local communities and law enforcement operations in Merseyside and beyond. For local residents in Huyton and surrounding areas, the knowledge that a wanted individual has links to their community may increase vigilance and cooperation with police appeals, particularly when distinctive identifying features are publicised.

For law enforcement, cases like Hughes’ highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring court attendance and the resource implications of maintaining long-term manhunt operations. The 10-month duration of Hughes’ absence demonstrates the persistence required in such cases and may influence future policing strategies for locating individuals who fail to appear for sentencing.

The public appeal strategy, particularly the emphasis on distinctive tattoos and social media outreach, may serve as a model for future cases. If successful in locating Hughes, this approach could reinforce the value of detailed physical descriptions and multi-platform communication in police appeals. Conversely, if Hughes remains at large, it may prompt review of current procedures for monitoring defendants awaiting sentencing and the effectiveness of no-bail warrants in ensuring court attendance.

For the broader criminal justice system, cases of extended absence like Hughes’ may contribute to ongoing discussions about bail reform, court attendance enforcement, and the balance between individual liberty and public safety in pre-sentencing procedures.