Crossbow killer who murdered three women in Hertfordshire found guilty of rape during attack

Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford, who murdered the wife and two daughters of BBC commentator John Hunt in Bushey, has been found guilty of raping his ex-girlfriend during the attack.

He admitted murdering 25-year-old Louise, 61-year-old Carol and 28-year-old Hannah Hunt last July, but had denied raping Louise Hunt.

At Cambridge Crown Court this afternoon (06/03) the judge said he would sentence Clifford on Tuesday for his "dreadful" crimes that were "almost unspeakable".

Mr Justice Joel Bennathan paid tribute to family members of the deceased.

"They conducted themselves with huge dignity and restraint and I pay tribute to them," the judge said.

Clifford murdered his ex and her sister with a crossbow and their mother with a 10-inch butchering knife.

Jurors took around 45 minutes to find Kyle Clifford guilty of the rape of Louise Hunt, at her family's home in Bushey, Hertfordshire after she ended their 18-month relationship.

The 26-year-old from Enfield failed to attend his four-day trial, with the secure dock empty beside the packed public gallery where Mr Hunt and other family members attended each day.

Earlier this week, CCTV was shown in court of Clifford in the hours before he carried out the murders.

There was applause from the public gallery, cries of "yes!", with one woman pumping her fists and another woman weeping as the guilty verdict was returned.

Reacting after the verdict, Lisa Kiff, a senior CPS prosecutor, has said: "Kyle Clifford is a murderer and a rapist who carried out a savage act of violence against three women.

"His crimes are among the very worst I have encountered in my career, and he now rightly faces a life sentence behind bars.

"On behalf of the CPS, I want to express my heartfelt sympathies to the Hunt family.

"I have been personally touched by their strength, dignity and courage in the face of overwhelming trauma.

"We hope some solace can be found in today's verdict and that they feel justice has been secured for Carol, Hannah, and Louise."

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Clifford has been convicted today following a trial. There was overwhelming evidence that he had raped Louise Hunt as well as murdering her, her mother Carol and sister Hannah. This was an appalling attack on a family.

“Clifford has remained a coward up until the end by refusing to appear at court and face up to his actions. Great lengths were made to ensure he could attend court including the location chosen for the trial, but Clifford chose to stay away.

“In stark contrast the Hunt family have shown extreme strength and dignity throughout. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.”

You can hear the latest news on Kerrang! Radio.