A KILLER restrained, raped then shot dead his ex with a crossbow in a “sexual act of spite” during a triple murder of a BBC star’s family, a court heard.
Kyle Clifford allegedly carried out “acts of extreme violence” against Louise Hunt, 25, her mum Carol, 61, and sister Hannah, 28.
Kyle Clifford is accused of raping his ex Louise Hunt during a triple murder[/caption]
Louise was restrained before being shot with a crossbow[/caption]
Her sister Hannah was also murdered in the horror[/caption]
Mum Carol, pictured with husband John, was stabbed to death[/caption]
The 26-year-old has pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, a charge of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
But Clifford, who is not attending the trial, has denied raping Louise on July 9 – the same day the family were slaughtered at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Cambridge Crown Court heard today that Clifford and Louise had been in a relationship but she broke up with him in June 2024.
In the days that followed, the killer bombarded her with messages that were “rebuffed” by his ex, jurors were told.
As his resentment grew towards Louise and her family, who had advised her to end the relationship, he hatched the “carefully planned and executed” plot.
The court heard Clifford bought weapons and equipment and then used “deceit” on Carol to gain access to the family home.
Once inside, he carried out a “brutal knife attack” on the mum, who was married to BBC racing commentator John Hunt.
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC said: “The defendant then waited for Louise to enter the property, before restraining, raping and ultimately murdering her with a crossbow.
“He then killed Louise’s sister Hannah Hunt with the crossbow, when she returned to the property after work.”
The prosecutor said it is “not in dispute” that Clifford murdered Carol and her daughters or that he was in possession of a knife and crossbow.
She added that the killer accepts that he “falsely imprisoned Louise Hunt during the course of the incident, restraining her against her will”.
Ms Morgan told jurors the only count they must come to a verdict on is the rape charge against Louise.
She continued: “During the course of this prolonged incident, the prosecution alleges that the defendant raped Louise Hunt.
“It was a violent, sexual act of spite, before he then killed her. You will have to determine that allegation against him.”
How you can get help
Women’s Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation “cannot be put into words”.
They added: “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.”
Clifford denies one count of rape.
The trial continues.
Louise had broken up with Clifford around a month before the killing[/caption]
Jurors heard he had bombarded her with messages[/caption]
Clifford had hatched a murderous plan that included deceiving mum Carol, it was said[/caption]
Hannah was shot dead as she returned home[/caption]
