Man Sentenced to Life for the Murder of Darren Hughes

Wednesday, 17 December 2025 11:33

Aflie Miller has handed a life sentence at Winchester Crown Court today (17th December) for the murder of Darren Hughes.

Miller, 22, will serve a minimum of 13 years and 138 days before being eligible to apply for parole

When handing down his sentence, Judge Paul Dugdale said, "On 3rd May this year, you murdered Darren Hughes by stabbing him repeatedly and brutally to the chest. We shall never know exactly what caused you to react in the way you did that night.

"You took the life of a man from a family who loved him. You will go to prison for life.

"I set the minimum term for your sentence before you can apply for parole as 14 years. Taking into account the time you have already served, you will serve 13 years and 138 days before being eligible to apply for parole."

Alfie Miller was found guilty by a jury of the murder of Darren Hughes, 52, following a three-week trial by jury at Winchester Crown Court yesterday (16th December).

On May 2nd this year, Miller – who knew Darren through a mutual friend and had met him a number of times – agreed to meet with Darren at Darren’s address in Davies Road, Longhedge.

They have then consumed alcohol and various drugs, including cocaine and cannabis, throughout the night.

At around 7:45 am the following morning, Miller stabbed Darren multiple times in the bathroom with a kitchen knife, before leaving the address and shouting for neighbours to call the police.

Miller subsequently admitted manslaughter but denied murder, initially claiming that Darren had made repeated, unwanted advances towards him and that he had been acting in self-defence, before relying on a defence of ‘loss of control’ in court.

However, this defence was dismissed by HHJ Dugdale during the trial, who subsequently directed the Jury to consider only whether Miller had the intent to murder or seriously harm Darren.