Shocking video footage captures the moment a man took his ex-partner’s children to McDonald’s after he murdered their parents. Derek Martin was convicted of the killings of Chloe Bashford and her husband Josh in their East Sussex home. Martin confessed to attacking Chloe with a hammer and stabbing her to death before fatally assaulting Josh with a knife. Following the murders, he picked up the couple’s children from school and treated them to outings at Costa and McDonald’s.
Surveillance footage shows Martin spending the day with the children and discarding evidence near a Sainsbury’s. He misled the kids about their parents’ absence and removed door handles from their home to conceal the bodies. After dropping off the children at their grandmother’s house, Martin bought beer and surrendered to the authorities, admitting to the double homicide.
Police discovered the victims’ bodies at their residence and arrested Martin. Despite claiming diminished responsibility due to a depressive disorder, he was found guilty of two counts of murder by a jury at Lewes Crown Court. Martin is awaiting sentencing on November 6. Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey praised the families for their patience during the investigation and commended the efforts of law enforcement in ensuring justice.
The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the meticulous planning of the crimes and the lack of justification for the brutal actions. Expert psychiatrists’ testimonies played a crucial role in disproving Martin’s defense of diminished responsibility. The prolonged legal proceedings added to the distress of the victims’ loved ones, who have shown remarkable resilience throughout the ordeal. The verdict aims to bring closure to the affected families and honor the memory of Chloe and Josh.