Kyle Clifford sentenced to life in prison

Triple murderer and convicted rapist Kyle Clifford has today (Tuesday 11 March) been given three whole life orders.

Unemployed Clifford, aged 26, formerly of Rendlesham Road, Enfield, once again refused to appear in court and was sentenced in his absence at Cambridge Crown Court.

Kyle Clifford will now face life in prison for:

• The murder of his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, aged 25, at her family home in Bushey on 9 July 2024
• The murder of Louise’s mum Carol Hunt, aged 61, at the family home in Bushey on 9 July 2024
• The murder of Louise’s sister Hannah Hunt, aged 28, at the family home in Bushey on 9 July 2024

He also received the following jail terms, which will run concurrently:

• Twenty years for the rape of Louise Hunt
• Eight years for the false imprisonment of Louise Hunt
• One year for possession of an offensive weapon (a crossbow)
• One year for possession of an offensive weapon (a knife)

A jury took just 45 minutes to find Clifford guilty of the rape of Louise. The unanimous verdict was delivered on Thursday 6 March, following a trial which had started on Monday 3 March.

Following an extensive investigation by the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit, Clifford had pleaded guilty to the other offences at a hearing on Wednesday 22 January.

The court heard that Louise had broken off an 18-month relationship with Clifford on Wednesday 26 June. He then began a calculated plan to kill Louise and her family.

On Tuesday 9 July 2024, he acted out this monstrous plan and then fled, found by police 22 hours later cowering in undergrowth in a cemetery in Enfield.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner, of the BCH Major Crime Unit, said: “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. The Hunt family have shown immense dignity and composure throughout this horrendous time and my thoughts remain with them.”

He added: “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, said: “Kyle Clifford is a murderer and rapist, who at every turn has attempted to escape the gravity of his actions.

“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.

“While Clifford pleaded guilty to the murders of Carol, Louise and Hannah Hunt, the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision to proceed with the rape charge. 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.

“On behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, I want to express my heartfelt sympathies and admiration to the Hunt family. They had the strength and courage to attend court every day and hear first-hand the devastating truth of what happened to Carol, Louise and Hannah – something which, in stark contrast, Clifford was too cowardly to do.

“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.

“Thank you.”