Today (Tuesday, March 11), Judge Mr Justice Bennathan sentenced Kyle Clifford to three whole life orders for the murder of three women at their home in Bushey. Clifford once again refused to appear in court.
On Thursday, March 6, Unemployed Clifford, 26, formerly of Rendlesham Road, Enfield, was found guilty of raping Louise Hunt following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court. It was a unanimous verdict.
He previously admitted to murdering three people in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, on July 9, 2024: his former partner Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt, and mother Carol Hunt. He also pleaded guilty to one count of false imprisonment of Louise, and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.
Mr Justice Bennathan said: “[It is] a sentence from which you will never be released.”
The judge said Clifford went to Louise’s home and “launched a murderous attack” on the family.
He said Clifford raped and murdered Louise after she was “as gentle as she could” in ending the relationship, adding that Carol had shown “nothing but kindness in the moment before” he attacked her.
The judge said: “The statements of John and Amy Hunt also demonstrated great courage and determination that your terrible crimes will not define them or stop them leading the lives Carol, Louise and Hannah Hunt would have wished for them.
“They showed a gentle heroism of which you can only dream.”
Clifford was also sentenced to a 20-year sentence for rape, one year for possession of a crossbow, one year for possession of a knife, and eight years for false imprisonment. These will run concurrently.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner, of the BCH Major Crime Unit, said: “This has been a harrowing case and while we welcome the whole life orders, it will never make up for the loss of Louise, Hannah and Carol – three vibrant women in the prime of their lives. The Hunt family have shown immense dignity and composure throughout this horrendous time and my thoughts remain with them.”
He added: “Clifford has again shown himself to be a coward. Clifford armed himself with a crossbow and knife in order to attack three innocent women. They resisted him bravely, with Hannah raising the alarm, which ultimately helped police catch Clifford.
“Then despite overwhelming evidence, Clifford denied raping Louise which meant the Hunt family had to sit through days of distressing evidence. This is while Clifford himself failed to attend court or hear his punishment despite provisions being made for him. Clifford has many years ahead of him to consider the consequences of his crimes and the senseless devastation he has brought to others.”
Lisa Kiff, a senior crown prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We hope today’s sentence, which ensures Clifford can never hurt anyone again, can help the Hunt family with their healing process as they navigate the future and continue to honour the lives of Carol, Louise and Hannah.”
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