Man, 64, ‘left four children orphaned after murdering their “fun and loving” mum and dad’ in Newhaven
A MAN has been accused of leaving four children orphaned after murdering their “fun and loving” mum and dad.
Derek Martin, 64, also known as Derek Glenn, is charged with killing Josh Bashford, 33, and wife Chloe, 30, after their bodies were found around 7pm on Friday.
Cops rushed to a property inside Newhaven Cemetary, on Lewes Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, shortly before Martin was arrested on suspicion of their murder.
Appearing at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, Martin was escorted out of a cop van handcuffed.
Wearing a grey T-shirt and joggers, he spoke only to confirm his name.
His mental state at the time of the murders will be assessed, the court heard.
It is not yet known how parents Josh and Chloe were killed but a post-mortem is due to be carried out this week.
As Martin was taken from the dock by officers, a family member tried confronting him.
Her Honour Judge Christine Laing KC said: “I appreciated tensions are likely to be running very high but the court process has to take place.”
Sussex Police previously said Martin, of Brighton, was known to the couple.
The pair, who shared two boys and two girls together, have now been remembered as the “most amazing parents”.
Chloe’s niece Georgie Last said in an emotional statement: “My beautiful Auntie and Uncle.
“Words can not begin to explain the pain we are all feeling right now. Never did we think we would experience heartbreak and pain like this.
“The most funny and loving pair, you loved each other so much it was just amazing to see what true love looked like.
“You were the most amazing parents to four beautiful, intelligent, and loving children.
“We will all do everything to make sure they are supported, loved, and looked after.
“We all love you so much, forever and always in our hearts.”
Her brothers, Steven and Simon Glenn, also took to social media to mourn their loss.
Steven wrote: “Not sure how to process this pain and empty feeling in our hearts and with a constant stream of tears in our eyes, but for now we sadly have to say goodbye to our baby sister and her husband.
“Taken cruelly from us far too young leaving 4 beautiful children behind.
“Chloe and Josh we didn’t always see eye to eye but you was and will always be our baby sister, we will miss you dearly and you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers RIP.”
Meanwhile, Simon posted: “Still does not feel real, just can’t process it. My baby sister Chloe taken from us way too soon. such a gentle soul. Always let me know I was her big bro.
“Sis I will miss you so much, your be forever in my heart. Fly high baby sis. I love you so much, until we meet again.”
He also added a tribute to Josh, saying he will be “forever in my heart”.
A GoFundMe has since been set up for kids Brooklyn, Ava, Mila and Joshua.
Martin will appear in court again in August because facing trial in November.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex Police on 101.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.