Double murderer Derek Martin has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 29 years, effectively sentencing the 67-year-old to die in prison.
Martin, of Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, killed a couple, Chloe and Joshua Bashford, at their home in Lewes Road, Newhaven, in June 2023.
He admitted hitting Chloe, 30, over the head with a hammer and stabbing her to death before waiting for Josh, 33, to return home and then stabbing him and strangling him with a rope.
But Martin denied murder on the ground of diminished responsibility as the result of a mental disorder and went on trial at Brighton Crown Court last month.
At the end of the three-week trial, on Friday 24 October, the jury unanimously convicted Martin of murdering the husband and wife, leaving their four children orphaned.
At the same court today (Thursday 6 November), their 18-year-old son Brooklyn and several other family members shared their anguish, grief and trauma.
The trial judge Dame Justine Thornton, known as Mrs Justice Thornton, listened as some addressed the court themselves and a police officer and barrister read statements on behalf of other relatives of the couple.
Mrs Justice Thornton described their testimony as moving – and Martin, in a grey prison tracksuit, sat with his head bowed and eyes closed as the judge described his “ferocious” attack.
Martin was impassive as the judge passed sentence and she praised the police investigation and the dignity of the families throughout the harrowing case.
The sentencing remarks were filmed by the BBC. It was the first time that television cameras have been allowed to film any part of a case in a Sussex court.
The judge said: “The attacks were driven by rage and resentment … As a result of your actions, their families will suffer for the rest of their lives.”
Julian Evans, prosecuting, told the court that Martin had a number of previous convictions though none for violence and no recent convictions.
Graham Trembath, defending, said that Martin had asked him to say sorry and asked the judge to take into account Martin’s age.
Mr Trembath said: “He knows that he must spend his life – what remains of it – in prison.”
Mrs Justice Thornton said that this was the consequence of killing two people when he was in his sixties.
And I hereby hope that Martin has a miserable time (whatever is left of it) being in His Majesties lodging
I feel for the Children and there Parents those Chidren didn’t go to school that day knowing they wouldn’t see there Mum & Dad again when they returned.
Over Money?
And the Police that had to go into the House once he had handed himself in-but they older Children could of returned home after School not realising the Situation they were walking into
A very sad situation for all.