Kyle Clifford set to enter plea in crown court next week

The 26-year-old from Rendlesham Road, Enfield, appeared via video link in September at the Royal Courts of Justice accused of murdering Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt at their home in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, on July 9.

No specific date for his next appearance was set at the time, but it has since been confirmed that he will appear at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, November 28, for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Clifford will enter a plea against the six charges next week. (Image: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire) Clifford, who now uses a wheelchair, was charged with three counts of murder, false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons, namely a 10-inch butchers knife and a crossbow, over the killings.

The court heard he used a "10-inch butchers knife" and a compound crossbow with the MXT405 serial number to murder the three women.

If he pleads not guilty, a four to five-week trial would take place in late February or in early March next year, as the time limit to keep him in expires on March 18, 2025.

Kyle Clifford is now a wheelchair user. (Image: Herts Police) During the discussion of when to hold the possible trial, defence counsel Christopher Millington KC asked for enough time to allow the defence’s forensic psychologist to request access to Clifford’s Ministry of Defence records before the next hearing.

It is thought the defendant served briefly in the armed forces under the Queen’s Dragoon Guards before dropping out in 2022.

The court also heard that Clifford is now a “wheelchair user” and that the Central Criminal Court would not be able to accommodate him.

• Bushey murders: Kyle Clifford to plead in November
• Recap: Kyle Clifford in court over Hunt family murders
• Kyle Clifford charged with murder after Bushey crossbow attack

Westminster Magistrates' Court previously heard he had shot himself with his own crossbow before he was caught by police in the Lavender Hill cemetery in Enfield the day after the killings.

Judge Hon Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson KC ruled the next hearing would be held at Cambridge Crown Court as the defendant will soon be moved to HMP Norwich from custody at Kempston police station in Bedfordshire.

During the September appearance, Clifford’s defence counsel did not apply for bail, but Christopher Millington KC said the 26-year-old may wish to apply in the future.