Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday 11th March 2025, at 16:45hrs
Kyle Clifford, 26, has been sentenced to three whole life orders for the horrific murders of his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, 25, her mother Carol Hunt, 61, and her sister Hannah Hunt, 28, at their family home in Bushey on July 9, 2024.
The unemployed Clifford, formerly of Rendlesham Road, Enfield, was sentenced in his absence at Cambridge Crown Court after refusing to appear in court.
In addition to the life sentences, Clifford received concurrent jail terms: 20 years for the rape of Louise Hunt, eight years for her false imprisonment, and one year each for possession of a crossbow and a knife.
The jury took just 45 minutes to find Clifford guilty of Louise Hunt’s rape after a trial that began on March 3, 2024. Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders and other offences on January 22, 2024.
The court heard that Louise Hunt had ended her 18-month relationship with Clifford on June 26, 2024, triggering a calculated plan by Clifford to kill her and her family.
On July 9, 2024, he carried out his plan, then fled the scene, only to be apprehended by police 22 hours later, hiding in undergrowth in an Enfield cemetery.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner of the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit condemned Clifford’s actions.
“This has been a harrowing case and while we welcome the whole life orders, it will never make up for the loss of Louise, Hannah and Carol – three vibrant women in the prime of their lives,” he stated.
“The Hunt family have shown immense dignity and composure throughout this horrendous time and my thoughts remain with them.”
DCI Gardner further criticized Clifford’s behavior, stating,
“Clifford has again shown himself to be a coward. Clifford armed himself with a crossbow and knife in order to attack three innocent women. They resisted him bravely, with Hannah raising the alarm, which ultimately helped police catch Clifford. Then despite overwhelming evidence, Clifford denied raping Louise which meant the Hunt family had to sit through days of distressing evidence.
This is while Clifford himself failed to attend court or hear his punishment despite provisions being made for him.
Clifford has many years ahead of him to consider the consequences of his crimes and the senseless devastation he has brought to others.”
Lisa Kiff, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, echoed these sentiments. “Kyle Clifford is a murderer and rapist, who at every turn has attempted to escape the gravity of his actions,” she said. “From evading arrest, to not attending his trial or the sentencing hearing today – his lack of remorse and accountability for the truly inhumane crimes he committed has been laid bare.”
SCP Kiff emphasized the importance of pursuing the rape charge, stating, “This was to ensure full justice was secured for Louise, and to ensure that Clifford could be sentenced for the full extent of his offending. That decision has been vindicated by his conviction for the rape and by the sentence passed today as Clifford will never be released from prison.”
She concluded by expressing her “heartfelt sympathies and admiration to the Hunt family,” praising their strength and courage throughout the trial.
“We hope today’s sentence, which ensures Clifford can never hurt anyone again, can help the Hunt family with their healing process as they navigate the future and continue to honour the lives of Carol, Louise and Hannah.”
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