Killer will not give evidence in his defence

Derek Martin has admitted the manslaughter of Chloe and Josh Bashford

A man who killed a couple in their home has decided not to give evidence in his defence at a murder trial, a jury has been told.

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 the defendant was very close to the couple and their four children and spent a lot of time at their home.

Josh and Chloe Bashford were killed in June 2023 at their home in Newhaven

Mr Martin had previously been married to Ms Bashford's mother.

The court was told he did not have a history of violence but had experienced depression and anxiety.

Jurors were previously told Mr Martin had stabbed Ms Bashford eight times, then attacked Mr Bashford when he returned home a short while later.

He stabbed Mr Bashford four times and then strangled him with a rope or belt, the court heard.

The evidence in the case has concluded, which will be followed by legal argument and direction to the jury, with closing speeches and the judge's summing up expected on Wednesday.

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