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No inquiry into why killer was granted bail

BRETT CLIFTON: twice breached bail conditions
BRETT CLIFTON: twice breached bail conditions
MURDERED: Vera and Terry Martin
MURDERED: Vera and Terry Martin

THE Government says it has no plans for an inquiry into why a double killer was granted bail against the advice of police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The news has been described as very disappointing by a Kent MP who plans to raise the matter in Parliament in the New Year.

Brett Clifton was convicted in October of murdering Terry and Vera Martin at their home in Abbey Street, Faversham.

Faversham Conservative MP Hugh Robertson wrote to the Minister for Justice, Harriet Harman, asking if there would be an investigation into magistrates’ decisions to grant Clifton bail on four occasions, including the day before the murder.

But Mrs Harman replied that there was no investigation and no plans for one. I can well understand the feelings your constituents have about the murder of Mr and Mrs Martin,” she said.

“However, the views being expressed are expressed with hindsight and not based on the facts, evidence and law the court had to take into account on the days the defendant was before it.”

Mr Robertson said: “Harriet Harman’s response totally fails to express any sympathy for the family or understanding of the impact this crime had on the town.

“Her admission that Clifton had twice breached his bail conditions before his court appearance on January 20, but that the court failed to take any action, warrants an explanation.”

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