A Brighton man who murdered a young couple in their Newhaven home has been jailed for life.
67-year-old Derek Martin from Moulsecoomb Way was sentenced at Brighton Law Courts for killing Josh and Chloe Bashford in June last year.
Martin's life sentence has a minimum of 29 years before he can be considered for release.
In a police interview, Martin confessed he had been cleaning a window at the property when he “just flipped” over a row about money with Chloe.
He struck her over the head with a hammer then stabbed her to death.
Martin said that Josh, 33, arrived home a short while later and saw him with a knife in his hand. Josh ran upstairs but was chased by Martin, who repeatedly stabbed him then strangled him to death.
Martin was found guilty last month, and at that time, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, had this to say: “I would like to thank Chloe and Josh’s children and their families for their patience during this investigation. It goes without saying how sorry I am that they have had to suffer the loss of Chloe and Josh, and I am in awe at the courage and strength they have all shown following the events of 9 June 2023. The result today will, sadly, not change what happened, but I hope that it will enable them to end this chapter and move onto the next.
“I would also like to thank the members of the public who have supported this investigation.
“Finally, I commend the many members of staff and police officers who have worked tirelessly to help bring Derek Martin to justice.”
After sentencing today, investigating officer Sam Legate, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Today marks the conclusion of a long and complex investigation into the brutal murders of Chloe and Josh Bashford at their home in Newhaven, on 9 June 2023.
“The loss suffered by their family and friends is difficult to comprehend, and our thoughts remain with them all. They have shown amazing strength and courage throughout the investigation, and no outcome will ever make up for the heartache they continue to endure.
“I acknowledge the impact this incident has had on the wider community, and express my sincere thanks to the public for their support.
“I would also like to commend the professionalism and dedication of the many members of staff and police officers who have worked tirelessly over the past two-and-a-half years to help bring Derek Martin to justice.
“While today’s sentence cannot undo the immense suffering he caused, I hope it provides some reassurance that Sussex Police will continue to thoroughly investigate major crimes, to catch criminals and to seek justice for victims.”
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