The chilling final text messages between killer Kyle Clifford and his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt were read out in court as the 26-year-old former soldier was handed three whole-life orders for the brutal murders of Louise, her mother Carol, and sister Hannah in a horrific crossbow attack.
Clifford, who raped and murdered Louise, 25, during a five-hour rampage at her family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9, 2024, also fatally stabbed 61-year-old Carol eight times and killed 28-year-old Hannah with a crossbow bolt before attempting to take his own life. He survived but was left paralysed.
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During sentencing at Cambridge Crown Court, BBC racing commentator John Hunt – husband and father to the three victims – delivered a powerful victim impact statement, revealing a heartbreaking final message exchange between Louise and Clifford just 13 days before the murders.
Louise, in a gracious message after ending the relationship, thanked Clifford for their time together and wished him well. Clifford replied: “I love you so much and I will for a very long time. I will always be here for you if you ever need me.” But Mr Hunt told the court: “The difference was, we know now, that Louise meant every word, whereas you simply lied.
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A Calculated and Deceitful Killer
Clifford’s twisted deceit continued even as he held Louise hostage. He posed as her by sending text messages from her phone to her father, attempting to conceal the horror unfolding at the family home. One message read: “What time are you home?” — to which Mr Hunt unknowingly responded with concern.
The court also heard how Clifford left disturbing suicide notes on his phone, soaked in self-pity, in which he attempted to justify the planned murders. One note read: “I know you will all have so many questions… but there is simply nothing any of you could have done.”
In another message addressed to himself, he wrote: “I’m sorry I didn’t wait to move on and find my future wife… I just don’t want to live my life without her.
Judge Mr Justice Joel Bennathan described Clifford as “a jealous man soaked in self-pity… a man who holds women in utter contempt,” before sentencing him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
A Legacy of Control and Abuse
Louise had written a note to herself before the murders to remind herself of Clifford’s abusive behaviour — including his racist views, controlling behaviour, violent tendencies, and how he isolated her from friends. He banned her from wearing makeup, dictated how she dressed, and was cheating on her with other women.
Police revealed Clifford had immersed himself in misogynistic content, including videos from controversial influencer Andrew Tate, and had searched for his podcast just one day before the attack.
Family’s Heartbreaking Tribute
In one of the most emotional moments of the hearing, Mr Hunt paid tribute to his wife and daughters. Speaking with strength and grace, he recalled: “All their lives, Carol, Hannah and Louise brought joy and happiness to others. You killed three beautiful mockingbirds, Kyle.”
Referencing To Kill a Mockingbird, Louise’s favourite book, he likened his loved ones to the innocent birds described in the novel — whose only purpose was to bring music and joy to the world.
He also described the agonising moment he spent four hours with his deceased family in the funeral home, saying: “I sat with Louise to my right, Hannah to my left, and Carol at the top of the room. I thanked her for being such a wonderful partner in life and a wonderful mother.”
“The Screams of Hell, Kyle…”
Mr Hunt’s final words left the courtroom in silence: “The screams of hell, Kyle… I can hear them faintly now. They’re going to roll the red carpet out for you.”
He also issued a broader call to action for women across the world to recognise Louise’s bravery in leaving an abusive relationship, stating: “If you feel enough is enough — then it is.”
Justice Delivered, but at a Great Cost
The judge imposed additional concurrent sentences for rape, false imprisonment, and possession of weapons. Clifford refused to appear in court, and the judge declined the use of restraints, saying it would be inappropriate given his condition.
As the sentencing concluded, Clifford was consigned to a life behind bars — a punishment that, as Mr Hunt put it, “is a fate far greater than death.”
