A “HIGHLY sexualised” killer who assaulted then beat a mum to death as she walked her dog on the beach has been jailed for life.
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss, 21, carried out a violent sexual attack on Claire Knights after ambushing her in Minnis Bay, Kent.
Claire Knights was beaten to death[/caption]
Claire, 54, was discovered dead by her family two days later as they mounted a search for the missing mum.
Van-Pooss has now been jailed for life with a minimum of term of 25 years and 183 days for murder.
The vile monster caused Claire’s family even more anguish during his sentencing after a letter he wrote was read to the court.
He claimed the talented artist had “not died in pain and suffering” – despite her horror injuries – causing her family to storm out.
Canterbury Crown Court heard the horror unfolded on August 23, 2023, as Claire walked beloved pet spaniel Zebulon.
Van-Pooss was captured on CCTV strolling around Birchington as he went to the gym and bought snacks.
Just hours later, the “powerful” killer went hunting for a lone woman that he could carry out a terrifying sex attack on.
He pounced on Claire and sexually assaulted the mum before bludgeoning her to death.
Her cause of death was given as blunt force trauma and drowning after she was left to die on the beach by Van-Pooss.
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