In a shocking case that has gripped the local community, a Sussex man stands accused of fatally attacking his stepdaughter and her husband in what the court has described as a “fit of rage.”
Derek Martin, 67, allegedly believed he was being mistreated by his stepdaughter, Chloe Bashford, 30, before carrying out the horrific attack at their home in June 2023.
Brutal Attack Described in Court
According to testimony at Lewes Crown Court, Martin first struck Chloe with a hammer before repeatedly stabbing her.
Her husband, Josh Bashford, 33, was then attacked after returning from work.
Martin reportedly chased Josh up the stairs and into a bedroom, stabbing him four times and ultimately strangling him with a ligature.
Witnesses described the assault as impulsive and unplanned.
Martin has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility but denies murder.
Prosecutors allege the attack was driven by a combination of anger, perceived abuse, and a troubled mental state.
Mental Health History Comes to Light
During the trial, the court heard details of Martin’s mental health struggles. He has self-diagnosed with anxiety and depression and reported to psychiatrists at Broadmoor secure hospital that he heard voices.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Ian Cumming explained that Martin believed Chloe was “using him” and that this perception was constantly on his mind.
Martin’s history includes a violent upbringing, frequent trouble with the law, and repeated periods in prison. Dr. Cumming described him as emotionally unstable, sometimes associated with borderline personality disorder, and suffering from recurrent depressive disorder.
Evidence of Deteriorating Mental State
Leading up to the killings, Martin reportedly experienced severe depression, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of wanting to die.
He admitted to stopping his medication and feeling undeserving of recovery.
He also claimed he contributed financially to the household and committed burglaries to help the family, further complicating his mental state.
Dr. Cumming noted: “He began to feel he was being abused by Chloe, thinking of her as someone exploiting him.
These thoughts were persistent and, from what I could tell, genuine.”
Impulsive Nature of the Crime
The attack itself was described as impulsive, triggered by a recent argument with Chloe over money.
She had told Martin not to visit her and her children any longer, which he interpreted as a form of rejection. Dr. Cumming explained that Martin’s anger in that moment fueled the deadly violence, with no prior planning evident.
“There was no sense of preparation,” the psychiatrist said.
“The attack appears to have been a reaction to the events of that day, rather than something he had plotted.”
Manslaughter Plea and Ongoing Trial
Martin maintains that he was not in a clear state of mind during the killings.
While he admits manslaughter by diminished responsibility, he continues to deny murder.
The trial at Lewes Crown Court in Brighton is ongoing, with jurors continuing to hear evidence about Martin’s mental health, his life history, and the circumstances leading up to the tragic deaths of Chloe and Josh Bashford.