The trial of Derek Martin, aged 66, begins today at Lewes Crown Court sitting in Brighton. Martin is charged with the murders of Josh Bashford, 33, and his wife Chloe, 30, whose bodies were discovered at their Newhaven home on June 9, 2023. The couple left behind four young children.
Martin, a resident of Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, has admitted to killing the Bashfords but denies murder. Instead, he has pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. His legal team argues that his mental state at the time of the killings impaired his ability to form rational judgment or exercise self-control. Under English law, a successful diminished responsibility defence can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter.
The trial is expected to last up to three weeks and is being presided over by Dame Justine Thornton, known as Mrs Justice Thornton.
The deaths of Josh and Chloe Bashford have deeply affected their families and the community. A friend of the couple described them as the “most incredible and loving parents”.
As the trial proceeds, the court will examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths and determine the appropriate legal outcome.
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