Man who killed couple awaits jury's verdict
Derek Martin has admitted the manslaughter of Chloe and Josh Bashford
- Published
The jury in the trial of a man who killed a couple in their home in East Sussex has retired to consider its verdict.
Derek Martin, 67, from Brighton, has admitted the manslaughter of Josh Bashford, 33, and his 30-year-old wife, Chloe, in their Newhaven home in June 2023, but denies murder, claiming diminished responsibility.
He admitted hitting Ms Bashford with a hammer then stabbing her, and stabbing then strangling Mr Bashford.
The trial at Brighton Law Courts had been told that the defendant was very close to the couple and their four children and spent a lot of time at their home.
Mr Martin had previously been married to Ms Bashford's mother.
The court was also told that he did not have a history of violence but had experienced depression and anxiety.
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