Brighton, England — Derek Martin, aged 67, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility after the brutal killings of Chloe and Joshua Bashford. The two separate violent attacks occurred in June 2023 at the couple’s home, leaving their family grappling with grief and seeking justice over the past two and a half years.
Martin, who Chloe regarded as a father figure, faced a unanimous jury that ultimately found him inadmissible for murder, a decision that has drawn ire from the victims’ relatives. Chloe’s mother, Elaine Sturges, expressed disbelief at Martin’s defense, claiming he has manipulated the judicial system. “He always said, ‘I know how to play the system,’” she stated, chastising his assertion of mental impairment during the attacks.
On the morning of June 9, after a breakfast outing with Chloe, Martin launched a violent assault against her with a hammer, subsequently stabbing her. Shortly after, he killed Joshua as he returned home from work. The couple, described by family members as devoted parents to their four children aged between 4 and 15, left a profound void in their children’s lives.
Following the attacks, Martin attempted to conceal his actions, distracting the children with outings and altering the scene of the crime. He removed door handles where the bodies were and tampered with household devices, actions that were later described by Joshua’s father, Andrew Bashford, as calculated and controlled. “It’s remarkable how someone claiming diminished responsibility could plan and execute such a cover-up,” he remarked.
The legal proceedings surrounding Martin have been fraught with complications, with his trial postponed multiple times. Family members have voiced their frustration over the extended wait for justice. “It’s been hell,” said Billy Bashford, Joshua’s brother, who added that the delays have impacted his personal and professional life.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, who oversaw the investigation, noted the complexity of the case, stating that multiple psychiatrists reviewed Martin’s mental state before reaching a verdict. “This has been described as one of the most complicated cases ever encountered,” he explained, emphasizing the ambiguity around Martin’s mental state during the attacks.
During police interviews, Martin claimed the attacks stemmed from a heated dispute over money owed to him by Chloe, characterizing himself as feeling “used.” However, DCI Edey asserted that Chloe was a devoted mother striving to do the best for her family and was grateful for Martin’s support, which complicates the understanding of their relationship dynamics.
Chloe’s parents continue to cope with the trauma of their loss while seeking assurance that justice will be served the way they believe the victims deserve. As the community mourns, the family hopes to find some semblance of closure amidst ongoing legal struggles.