Chilling video footage captures a man taking children to a McDonald’s after committing a heinous crime by murdering their parents.
Derek Martin was convicted of killing Chloe Bashford and her husband Josh in their East Sussex home in June 2023. The 67-year-old, who was Chloe’s stepfather, confessed to police that an argument over money led him to brutally attack and kill the couple.
After fatally assaulting Chloe and Josh, Martin proceeded to pick up the couple’s four children from school and took them to various places in Newhaven, including McDonald’s and Costa. He deceived the children by falsely claiming their parents had a disagreement, while also attempting to cover up the crime scene by removing door handles in the house.
Later, Martin returned the children to their grandmother’s residence in Brighton, bought beer, and consumed it at the seafront before turning himself in at a local police station, confessing to the double murder.
Upon discovering the bodies of Chloe and Josh at their home, authorities arrested Martin. Despite his plea of diminished responsibility due to a depressive disorder, a jury at Lewes Crown Court rejected his defense and found him guilty of two counts of murder. Martin is awaiting sentencing scheduled for November 6.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team expressed gratitude towards the victims’ families for their cooperation during the investigation. He commended their resilience and acknowledged the public support in the case.
Marko Brooke of the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the meticulous prosecution process, emphasizing Martin’s calculated actions and the challenges faced in the legal proceedings. The prosecution team extended appreciation to the victims’ loved ones for their patience and understanding during the trial.
The verdict brought closure to the tragic events for Chloe and Josh’s family and friends, providing some solace in the midst of the harrowing ordeal.
