Chilling video footage captures a man taking children to McDonald’s after committing a heinous crime by murdering their parents.
Derek Martin was convicted of the murder of Chloe Bashford and her husband Josh in their home in Newhaven, East Sussex, in June 2023. The 67-year-old, who was Chloe’s stepfather, confessed to attacking Chloe with a hammer and then stabbing her to death during a dispute over money. Subsequently, when Josh returned home, Martin fatally stabbed and strangled him.
After the gruesome act, Martin changed his attire, fetched the couple’s four children from school, and treated them to visits at Costa and McDonald’s in Newhaven. Surveillance footage captured him taking the children out and discarding Chloe’s phone near a Sainsbury’s store.
Martin misled the children by informing them that their parents had a disagreement and even removed the door handles from their home to prevent the kids from discovering the bodies upon returning. He later dropped the children off at their grandmother’s house in Brighton, bought beer, and confessed to the police that he had committed the double homicide.
Following Martin’s arrest, a hand-written note revealed the location where he had disposed of Chloe’s phone. Despite claiming diminished responsibility due to a depressive disorder, Martin was found guilty of the murders after a jury trial at Lewes Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey praised the children and families for their patience during the investigation, expressing sorrow for their loss. The prosecution highlighted the meticulous planning of the crime and the careful steps taken by Martin to conceal the truth from the children. The jury’s verdict rejected the defense’s argument of diminished responsibility, leading to Martin’s conviction on two counts of murder. He awaits sentencing on November 6.