CROSSBOW killer Kyle Clifford banned his tragic ex-girlfriend from wearing makeup and staying out too late during their relations, it is claimed.
The 26-year-old former soldier reportedly took control over the life of 25-year-old Louise Hunt during their six-month relationship before he killed her, her 61-year-old mother Carol, and her 28-year-old sister Hannah in July of the previous year.
Clifford appeared at Cambridge Crown Court yesterday where he dramatically changed his plea on three counts of murder to guilty.
He also admitted false imprisonment after tying Louise up and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
This relates to a 10-inch butcher’s knife and a crossbow.
Clifford denied raping Louise on July 9 – the same day the family were killed.
According to the false imprisonment charge, Clifford is accused of assaulting, unlawfully imprisoning, and detaining Louise Hunt against her will.
Just six days before her death on July 9, Louise’s final post on X was a retweet applauding individuals who have made the brave decision to exit abusive and manipulative relationships.
The message read: “I admire women who leave whether you left after the 1st time or the 12th time.”
The post – sent on July 3 last year – continued: “If ppl was calling you dumb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done…it takes ALOT of strength to break a tie. it takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self.”
Louise and Hannah were shot dead by a crossbow bolt, while their mum Carol was stabbed to death with a butcher’s knife.
Clifford had arrived the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, at around 6.30pm to collect some possessions after he and Louise and split a week earlier.
A family friend told the Daily Mail that Carol had said her youngest daughter was involved in a “messy” break up.
Another source said: “Kyle was controlling and used to ridicule Louise. In public he made himself out to be a nice guy, but in private he was anything but.”
They added: “It was certain things, like Louise used to like wearing make-up but then she stopped wearing make-up – and that was down to Kyle.
“Louise had become tired of the relationship and being controlled all the time and being told what to do.”
Another pal said Clifford “didn’t like” Louise “staying out too late… and he really didn’t like her having male friends”.
HORROR ATTACK
Police arrived at the home on July 9 to find the front door open and Louise tied up, the court was previously told.
Her sister Hannah had been shot with a crossbow, while mum Carol was stabbed to death with a knife, it was said.
Brave Hannah called police and told officers she feared she was going to die after her sister and mum were attacked.
It is understood the BBC racing commentator John Hunt – dad of Hannah and Louise and husband to Carol – was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing Clifford, who served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, as the search for the killer widened.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation “cannot be put into words”.
