John Hunt delivers powerful statement towards Kyle Clifford during sentencing for murder of his wife and two daughters
BBC racing commentator John Hunt branded the man who killed his beloved wife and two daughters a 'psychopath' as he is sentenced for his crimes today (11 March).
The grieving father delivered a powerful statement in court as Kyle Clifford's fate is set to be determined for the brutal murders of Carol Hunt and her two daughters, Louise and Hannah.
The 26-year-old killer refused to appear in Cambridge Crown Court to face his victims’ family, who read out moving statements about the horrific deaths the three brave women faced.
Clifford previously pleaded guilty to murdering Louise, Carol and Hannah on 9 July, 2024 at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
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A jury later also found him guilty of raping his former girlfriend Louise in a 'violent, sexual act of spite' after she ended their 18-month relationship.
Tragically, Carol and her two daughters died at the scene after they were fatally injured by Clifford.
In an emotional address to the court today, Mr Hunt said he was 'so proud of all his girls' - who he described as 'three beautiful mockingbirds' - while branding the killer 'callous, cowardly and vindictive'.
The BBC commentator said he had wanted to deliver his words 'eye to eye' with Clifford, who today refused to leave his cell at HMP Belmarsh.
Mr Hunt began: "When I was first invited to provide a victim impact statement, I initially misunderstood its purpose. Do I really need to detail the impact of having three quarters of my family murdered?
“But then I realised that this was my final opportunity to say what I wanted to say, specifically to you, Kyle, words that will also be directed to your family, who will carry guilt forwards with them for the rest of their lives.
"They knew about the weapons, they knew."
Mr Hunt continued: "I also want to confirm to the world the truth, especially how Louise conducted herself within a textbook-mature break-up on her part, understanding the conflict of saying goodbye to someone she once loved, but not allowing those memories to cloud her certain knowledge that you, Kyle, simply failed to be the person she needed. You failed.
"I am so proud of all my girls. Unlike you Kyle, at every step of their lives they made the correct choices to improve themselves as people.
"Louise, she enjoyed more success and fulfilment in one morning than you achieved in your entire miserable life."
As he fought back tears, Mr Hunt explained that his daughter Louise had left Clifford after saying 'enough is enough'.
"I hope women round the world will take Louise’s bravery as a shining beacon for their lives," the racing commentator continued. "If you feel enough is enough, then it is."
The court heard that Clifford had again refused to leave his cell at HMP Belmarsh - as he did during the rape trial - while he also refused to attend the sentencing via video link.
Mr Justice Bennathan said: "The defendant was asked to attend here or on the video link and refused, and I then had an inquiry from Belmarsh as to whether I would order restraints so he should be brought to the video room.
"I have declined on the basis that the idea of a man in a wheelchair being put in restraints and potentially disrupting these proceedings is simply not appropriate or suitable.
"If the defendant lacks the courage to face today, so be it, but I’m conscious part of this morning will be people paying tribute to the three women who died, and I’m not having that disrupted by anything."
Mr Hunt concluded his statement by saying that Clifford - who is paralysed from the chest down after shooting himself with the crossbow - will suffer a 'miserable fate' for the rest of eternity.
"Kyle, just remember one thing: whatever sentence you are about to receive, whatever misery lies ahead for you, remember on your dying day there will be no release for you, Kyle," Mr Hunt said.
"The screams of Hell, Kyle, I can hear them now. They’re going to roll out the red carpet for you. You will realise your miserable fate will last for eternity."
Clifford 'carefully' planned the horrific murders which took place last July after he became 'enraged' when Louise ended their relationship, prosecutors said.
He gained access to the family home by deceiving Carol, 61, before stabbing her to death in a 'brutal knife attack'.
Clifford then 'lay in wait' for an hour until Louise entered the house, before then restraining, raping and ultimately murdering her with a crossbow.
He then fatally shot Hannah, 28, when she returned to the property in the quiet cul-de-sac in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after work.
She managed to contact her partner and inform him what was happening as well as dialling 999, before Clifford fatally shot her with a crossbow.
Hunt paid tribute to the 'incredible' Hannah for her courage in her final moments, which he believes saved him from being the 'fourth victim' that day.
"Whilst I am so badly damaged, I am absolutely determined to see what my future is, surrounded by so many amazing people," the dad said. "The chance to do that, I firmly believe, has been gifted to me by my incredible Hansy.
"I really believe that had she not managed to show such amazing physical and mental strength...then I would’ve been your fourth victim that day.
"Hannah handed me a second chance; one that she worked so hard to achieve for me. Do you really think after what she did for me I will slight her memory and example by just giving up?"
His surviving daughter, Amy, branded Clifford a 'monster' and 'demonic, saying: "You planned to take the lives of three women who have never done anything to hurt you and for what - you got dumped."
Mr Justice Bennathan is set to determine what sentence Clifford should serve this afternoon.
Olivia Burke