Nick Gazzard, whose daughter Holly was murdered by an ex-partner, has spoken to GB News about the importance of killers facing victims’ families in court.
Gazzard’s comments come as triple murderer Kyle Clifford was handed a whole-life order after refusing to face the family of his victims in court.
Clifford, 26, was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday for murdering his former partner Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah Hunt, 28, and their mother Carol Hunt, 61.
Gazzard described the significance of delivering victim impact statements directly to his daughter’s killer.
Gazzard described the significance of delivering victim impact statements directly to his daughter’s killer.
GB NEWS
“We were fortunate that we didn’t have to go through the trial, but obviously, we had to sit through the sentencing, and he appeared in court.
“One of the things we were able to do, and that was still within our power, was to read our victim impact statements.
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“I read mine and Holly’s sister read hers. It was incredibly difficult, but it’s something I’m glad I did, and I’m proud I had the courage to do it.
“We were able to explain to him what he had done, what he had taken away, and the lives he had affected not just Holly’s, but the whole family’s, and the ripple effect on her friends as well.
“It was an important moment for us to deliver our victim impact statements in court, with him standing in the dock.”
He added: “Personally, I think someone should stand up and face what they’ve done, but it also gives the victim’s family the chance to have their say which is incredibly important.
“I read John’s statement, and it really brought tears to my eyes.
“But it does give you the opportunity to have your say and maybe even the final word in the trial. So, I think they should be in court, facing the victim’s families.”
Clifford declined to appear in court to face the family of his victims as the sentence was passed.
Justice Bennathan described him as a “jealous man soaked in self-pity, who holds women in utter contempt”.
Triple crossbow killer Kyle Clifford refused to attend his sentencing
Hertfordshire Police
Hunt told the absent Clifford he would go to hell when he finally dies, while his surviving daughter Amy branded the killer “inhuman”.
The former soldier was found guilty last week of raping his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt during a triple murder attack.
The 26-year-old had previously admitted to murdering Louise, 25, her mother Carol, 61, and sister Hannah, 28.
Prosecutors revealed Clifford used a crossbow to kill Louise and her sister Hannah. He also stabbed their mother Carol to death with a 10-inch butcher’s knife.