Jury retires to consider verdict in Bushey rape trial

A jury has retired to consider its verdict in the case of a triple murderer - who denies raping his former partner in Hertfordshire.

Kyle Clifford has already admitted killing Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah and mother Carol in Bushey in July last year.

The 26 year old has not attended Cambridge Crown Court for his trial, and the secure dock remained empty as the prosecution case concluded on Thursday, the fourth day of proceedings.

The judge, Mr Justice Joel Bennathan, asked Clifford's defence barrister, Phil Bradley KC, if he had advised the defendant that if he chose not to give evidence "the jury may draw such inferences as appear proper".

Mr Bradley indicated that he had advised the defendant.

The judge asked: "Do you call Mr Clifford?"

Mr Bradley replied "I don't", and when asked if he called any other evidence he said "I don't".

The judge told jurors that Clifford not coming to court to give evidence meant he could not "contradict or undermine" the prosecution's case.

Mr Justice Bennathan told the jury panel it was up to them to decide whether the decision would "count against the defendant".

The defendant, of Enfield, north London, admitted at an earlier hearing to the murders of Louise Hunt, Hannah Hunt, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.

Clifford has also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Louise Hunt and two counts of possession of offensive weapons - the crossbow and the knife.

Mr Hunt listened to proceedings from the packed public gallery on Thursday, and a woman wept as details of the injuries to the women were set out in agreed facts read out by the prosecution.

The trial continues.

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