Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old unemployed man from Enfield, has been sentenced to three whole life orders at Cambridge Crown Court today following his conviction for the brutal murders of his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, her mother Carol Hunt, and her sister Hannah Hunt in a harrowing attack that shocked the nation.
The sentencing, delivered in Clifford’s absence after he refused to appear in court, also included a 20-year prison term for the rape of Louise Hunt, and additional concurrent sentences for false imprisonment and possession of offensive weapons.
The court’s decision ensures that Clifford will spend the rest of his life behind bars with no possibility of parole—a rare and severe sentence reserved for the most heinous crimes.
The Attack That Devastated a Family
On July 9, 2024, Clifford launched a calculated and violent attack on the Hunt family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just weeks after Louise Hunt, 25, ended their 18-month relationship.
Armed with a crossbow and knife, Clifford raped and murdered Louise, and fatally stabbed her mother Carol, 61, before using the crossbow to kill her sister Hannah, 28. Investigators revealed Clifford had meticulously planned the attack, targeting not only Louise but her entire family.
A 22-hour manhunt followed, ending when Clifford was found hiding in undergrowth at a cemetery in Enfield.
A Trial That Exposed Premeditation and Cruelty
Clifford had pleaded guilty to the murders, false imprisonment, and weapons possession in January. However, he denied the rape charge, forcing a trial to proceed. On March 6, a jury found him guilty of rape after just 45 minutes of deliberation.
Today’s sentencing included:
- Three whole life orders for the murders of Louise, Carol, and Hannah Hunt.
- 20 years for rape.
- Eight years for false imprisonment.
- One year each for possession of a crossbow and a knife.
All sentences are to run concurrently with the life terms.
Justice and Reflection
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Gardner, who led the investigation, said:
“While we welcome the whole life orders, nothing will ever make up for the loss of three vibrant women in the prime of their lives. Clifford will now have a lifetime to consider the devastation he has caused.”
Gardner commended the bravery of the victims, especially Hannah, who managed to raise the alarm during the attack, playing a key role in Clifford’s capture.
Lisa Kiff, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “Clifford is a murderer and rapist who tried at every turn to escape the gravity of his actions. Securing a conviction for rape, in addition to the murders, was essential for justice and recognition of Louise’s suffering.”
A Family’s Strength Amid Tragedy
The Hunt family have been praised for their strength and dignity throughout the case, attending court daily and enduring distressing testimony.
In a heartfelt statement read outside court, the family thanked the public and authorities for their support and pledged to keep the memories of Louise, Carol, and Hannah alive.
Calls for Change
The case has prompted growing public concern over the availability of weapons like crossbows, with some legal experts calling for stricter regulations in the UK following this “unprecedented and calculated” use of such a weapon.
Closure and Legacy
Clifford’s sentencing may mark the end of legal proceedings, but the impact of his actions will be long-lasting. The case has underscored the need for vigilance around domestic abuse and coercive behaviour — and the importance of justice for victims whose voices were tragically silenced.
