BBC star John Hunt moved the court to tears as he read his incredibly moving victim impact statement following the deaths of his wife Carol and their daughters Louise and Hannah
Kyle Clifford executed a sinister plan to access his ex girlfriend’s family home before brutally killing all those inside.
Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were murdered in their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire last July. Louise’s vile ex, Clifford, carried out the acts of “extreme violence” just 13 days after Louise bravely ended their 18-month relationship.
Carol, who was married to BBC racing commentator John Hunt, died from stab wounds, while her daughters died from crossbow injuries in the “targeted attack”. Earlier this week, Clifford, 26, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Grief-striken John moved the court to tears as he read aloud his incredibly moving victim impact statement, which was aimed at Clifford despite the killer refusing to turn up to court, cowering away in his cell.
During the statement, John described Clifford as a “psychopath” and detailed the selflessness and warmth he and his family had shown the former soldier before his horrific rampage.
“Do you recall Kyle, how kind we all were to you?” John asked. “Helping you and Louise enjoy trips away, do you remember how she loved a swanky hotel? You were always invited to meals out. A Sunday lunch at the pub or a special celebration, you were always made welcome.”
“The only Christmas you spent together was at our house. Was it four or five days you spent with us? The food, the games, the laughter, the normality… what was it about that blissful existence you hated so much, Kyle? Could you not handle how pleasant it was, such a contrast to what you were used to. The trips to Italy, Disneyland and many more; Louise gave your relationship so much effort which you were never able or willing to match.”
He also reflected on the goodwill Carol had shown on the early evening of July 9, 2024 when Clifford knocked on the front door of the Hunt family home. The killer told Carol he had a card for the family and was there to return Louise’s possessions, a rouse to commit his heinous attack.
“We all offered you kindness, especially Carol. She had picked up on your personal inadequacies right from the start. She sensed your immaturity but always knew Louise would work things out. Carol still displayed her compassion right up until the moment she answered the door to you on July 9,” John continued.
“Do you remember her kindness Kyle; how she urged you to get some relationship help and guidance for fear that you would never be able to sustain a lasting relationship. You calmly accepted that advice on the doorstep and then, seconds later savagely stabbed her eight times and ended her life.”
A transcript of the conversation between Clifford and Carol, caught on CCTV, was read out in court, during which Clifford could be heard sickeningly thanking Carol for letting him to be “part of the family for 18 months”. He said: “Your family has shown me love and kindness.”
Carol was then heard telling Clifford: “Maybe, maybe think in the next relationship… the way you are and maybe try and change [inaudible]. If you carry on like this, you’ll end up on your own.” Clifford responded: “I’ve started therapy as well”, before Carol told him: “I don’t think you’re a nasty person.”
Following the exchange on the doorstep, Clifford asked if he could have a bag to put Louise’s possessions in. Within a minute of entering the property, screams and banging sounds were heard. Prosecutors said it had been part of Clifford’s “deceit” to trick his way into the home before he killed the beloved mum.
Two weeks before the brutal murders, Louise had bravely ended her 18-month relationship with Clifford. Although Clifford seemed to accept the “amicable” split, he’d set about orchestrating a “carefully planned and executed” attack on her family, the court heard.
After knifing Carol, Clifford returned to his car to collect a crossbow, which he hid under a blanket. He waited for Louise to enter her family home before “restraining, raping and ultimately murdering her” with the weapon. Her sister Hannah later returned home from work, and Clifford attacked her with the crossbow.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk
