UK Man Sentenced for Murdering Parents Before Outing with Kids

A disturbing case unfolded in the UK as Derek Martin, 67, was found guilty of murdering Chloe Bashford and her husband, Josh Bashford, at their home in Newhaven, East Sussex, in June 2023. Martin, who was previously married to Chloe’s mother, attacked the couple in a violent incident that shocked the local community.

On June 9, 2023, during a dispute over money, Martin struck Chloe, 30, on the head with a hammer and subsequently stabbed her to death. Shortly after the attack, Josh, 33, returned home and encountered Martin armed with a knife. In a desperate attempt to escape, Josh fled upstairs, where he was also fatally attacked. Following the murders, Martin changed his clothes and collected the couple’s four children from school, taking them for outings at Costa and McDonald’s in Newhaven.

Surveillance footage captured the unsettling scene of Martin with the children, as he attempted to conceal his actions. He told them their parents had quarreled and even removed door handles in the house to prevent the children from discovering their parents’ bodies. After returning the children to their grandmother in Brighton, Martin purchased alcohol and spent time on the seafront before surrendering to the police.

According to Sussex Police, Martin confessed to the murders when he was taken into custody, stating, “I’ve killed two people.” Officers subsequently discovered the bodies of Chloe and Josh at their home. Despite admitting to causing their deaths, Martin claimed diminished responsibility due to a depressive disorder.

Trial and Sentencing

The trial, which took place over three weeks at Lewes Crown Court, included testimonies from five psychiatrists who evaluated Martin’s mental state. The jury ultimately rejected Martin’s defense, convicting him of two counts of murder. He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2023.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team expressed condolences to the Bashford family, acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the children and their extended family. “I commend the courage and strength they have shown following the events of June 9, 2023,” he said.

Marko Brooke, a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service, noted the complexity of the case. He explained that Martin’s assertion of losing control did not align with the sequence of events, highlighting that he had waited for Josh to return home before attacking him. Brooke emphasized that Martin’s actions demonstrated a calculated effort to conceal the crime from the children.

Community Response

The tragic nature of this case has resonated deeply within the community. Many have expressed their shock and sorrow over the events that transpired. The police and prosecution teams have thanked the public for their support throughout the investigation, acknowledging the additional distress caused to the families involved.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this crime, it is hoped that the verdict will bring some measure of closure to the Bashford family and help them begin to heal from this devastating tragedy.