A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of a woman walking her dog near a beach in Birchington, Kent.
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss attacked Claire Knights, a 54-year-old local artist, as she made her way back to her car from Minnis Bay on 23 August 2023. Her body was discovered two days later in marshland.
Following an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, Van-Pooss was arrested on the day of the murder and later charged. He pleaded guilty to murder at Canterbury Crown Court on 17 December 2024 and was sentenced to life imprisonment on 28 February 2025. He will serve a minimum of 25 years and 183 days before being considered for parole.
Timeline of the Crime and Investigation
- 22 August 2023 – Van-Pooss was reported missing to Kent Police, prompting an initial search.
- 22 August 2023 – He was also reported for taking inappropriate photos of a woman at a pub in Birchington.
- 23 August 2023 – He left home and camped overnight in marshland near the railway line west of Birchington.
- 23 August 2023, afternoon – He purchased food and alcohol at a local shop before the attack.
- 23 August 2023, around 4:50 PM – He sexually assaulted and murdered Claire Knights as she walked back to her car.
- 23 August 2023, evening – He was found near Minnis Bay seafront and arrested on suspicion of voyeurism.
- During his arrest – Police discovered Claire’s dog, Zeb, with Van-Pooss. A microchip scan confirmed the pet belonged to Claire.
- 25 August 2023 – Claire’s body was found hidden among reeds in a dyke between Shuart Lane and Minnis Bay.
- 18 September 2023 – Van-Pooss was charged with murder and voyeurism.
Attack Details
Investigators determined that Van-Pooss did not know Claire and targeted her at random. He ambushed her as she walked alone, sexually assaulted her, and then inflicted fatal injuries before hiding her body in water and tall grass.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI3LT5aiVH4
Following the attack, he returned to the shop, purchasing dog food for Zeb and food and drink for himself. Upon arrest, he claimed he had no memory of the afternoon’s events.
Detectives later linked key evidence, including an alcohol bottle and a sweet packet, both found near where Claire’s body was discovered.
Justice for Claire
Detective Superintendent Kathleen Way, who led the investigation, said:
“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.”
“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 has expressed gratitude to investigators and the community for their support and assistance in bringing her killer to justice.
