Brutal Minnis Bay Murder: Man Jailed for Life
A 21-year-old man has been locked up for life over the savage murder of a woman out walking her dog near Minnis Bay, Birchington, Kent.
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss attacked 54-year-old local artist Claire Knights on August 23, 2023, as she headed back to her car. Her body was found hidden in marshland two days later.
Twisted Attack Details
Police revealed Van-Pooss had no prior connection to Claire and chose his victim at random. He ambushed her alone, sexually assaulted her, and inflicted fatal injuries before dumping her body in reeds and water.
Shocking details surfaced about Van-Pooss’s actions that afternoon — after the attack, he returned to a local shop, bought dog food for Claire’s dog Zeb, and treated himself to some food and alcohol.
He later claimed he had no recollection of the crime when arrested near Minnis Bay seafront that evening.
Police Hunt & Arrest
- August 22, 2023: Van-Pooss reported missing, sparking a police search.
- Same day: Reported for taking inappropriate photos at a Birchington pub.
- August 23: Camped overnight in marshland west of Birchington.
- Afternoon: Bought food and alcohol locally before the attack.
- 4:50 PM: Committed the horrific assault and murder.
- Evening: Caught and arrested on suspicion of voyeurism.
- Police discovered Claire’s dog Zeb with him; microchipped pet confirmed.
- August 25: Claire’s body discovered in a dyke between Shuart Lane and Minnis Bay.
- September 18: Van-Pooss charged with murder and voyeurism.
Justice Delivered
Van-Pooss pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on December 17, 2024, and was sentenced on February 28, 2025. He faces life behind bars, with a minimum of 25 years and 183 days before parole.
“This has been a deeply distressing case. Claire was murdered purely because she happened to be walking along this path at a time when Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss decided to attack a woman on her own,” said Detective Superintendent Kathleen Way, who led the probe.
“He would have completely overpowered her, and the injuries he inflicted before leaving her for dead were absolutely devastating.”
“My thoughts and those of my team remain with Claire’s family, who have been immensely supportive throughout our investigation.”
Claire’s grieving family thanked the police and community for their unwavering support in bringing this monster to justice.
