Child sex charges coach driver found dead

A coach driver who was facing trial on child grooming charges has been found dead at his home.

David Hughes, 44, from Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire, was accused of three counts of meeting a girl under 16 after sexual grooming and three counts of causing or inciting sexual activity with a girl aged between 13 and 17 while in a position of trust.

It is understood the allegations related to his job in which he drove youngsters.

His body was found at his home in Whalley Road on 4 April.

According to reports, he had been the subject of derogatory comments made on Facebook ahead of his scheduled trial at Preston Crown Court.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Police said: “At around 3pm on the 4th of April, police attended an address on Whalley Road in Clayton-le-Moors after a call was made regarding a concern for the safety of the occupant of the address.

“On entering the property, officers found a 44-year-old man deceased inside. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner.”

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

PA