Triple murderer Kyle Clifford has snubbed court again, forcing the judge to weigh up strapping him into restraints in his wheelchair just to make him face justice.
Judge’s Fury as Killer Refuses to Show
Clifford, 26, is set to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court for the cold-blooded killings of Louise Hunt, her mother Carol, and sister Hannah in a horrific crossbow and knife rampage in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last July.
Despite the horrific nature of his crimes, Clifford has refused to appear in court, either in person or via video link from HMP Belmarsh, where he’s held. On March 11, Mr Justice Bennathan slammed the killer’s no-show and declined a request to authorise restraints for Clifford’s wheelchair-bound courtroom attendance.
“The defendant was asked to attend here or on the video link and refused. 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,” said the judge.
“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 who died, and I’m not having that disrupted by anything.”
Calculated Killings and Violent Rape
Prosecutors revealed Clifford planned the attack after his 18-month relationship with Louise Hunt ended. He lied to gain access to Carol Hunt’s home, before stabbing her to death. He then waited for Louise, whom he restrained, raped in a brutal act of revenge, and murdered with a crossbow. When Hannah returned home, Clifford shot her dead too.
Dark Links to Misogyny and Andrew Tate
Prosecutor Alison Morgan KC exposed Clifford’s deep-rooted misogyny, noting his search for Andrew Tate’s podcast the night before the murders.
“Andrew Tate can properly be described as a poster boy for misogynists — a poster boy for those who view women as possessions to be controlled,” Morgan said.
“It is no coincidence that the defendant turned to Andrew Tate the night before he committed acts of violence against women.”
Army Reject with a History of Abuse
Clifford, from Enfield, formerly served in the army but was labelled “wholly unsuited to military employment.” His record included alcohol-fuelled incidents and demeaning remarks toward female colleagues. Commanding officers described him as immature, misogynistic, and utterly lacking in empathy.
Tributes to Victims Amid Killer’s Defiance
Tributes poured in during the sentencing for Louise, Carol, and Hannah Hunt, remembered as kind, compassionate, and loved community members.
Despite attempting to take his own life with a crossbow after the rampage, Clifford now refuses all court appearances.
He faces life imprisonment for three counts of murder, rape, false imprisonment, plus two counts of possessing offensive weapons.
Mr Justice Bennathan vowed that Clifford’s cowardice won’t tarnish the memory of his victims or the justice they deserve.
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