Triple killer Kyle Clifford has been accused of raping his ex-girlfriend in a "violent, sexual act of spite" before murdering her with a crossbow.
The 26-year-old has already admitted murdering Louise Hunt, 25, her mother Carol, 61, and sister Hannah, 28, at their Hertfordshire home last July.
Clifford pleaded guilty to murder, false imprisonment and possession of offensive weapons. However, during his appearance at Cambridge Crown Court, he denied raping Louise Hunt before killing her.
The three women were the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.
Clifford has pleaded guilty to murder, false imprisonment and possession of offensive weapons
Police handoutProsecutors told the court that Clifford became "angry" when Louise Hunt ended their 18-month relationship. Alison Morgan KC said Clifford "carefully planned and executed" the attacks after being rejected.
The court heard he spent £350 online buying a crossbow, six bolts and a cocking device. He also purchased an air pistol, which was not delivered, and duct tape.
Clifford researched how to source a knife before buying a 10-inch steel "high level butchering knife" for £89.
Clifford deceived his way into the family home in Bushey on July 9, 2024, gaining access by telling Carol Hunt he was dropping off items owned by Louise, Cambridge Crown Court has heard.
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A home security system recorded Hunt telling Clifford: "I don't think you're a nasty person."
Prosecutors said he stabbed Carol Hunt to death in a "brutal knife attack".
He then waited for Louise, who was working in a garden pod running her dog grooming business. After Louise came inside, he allegedly restrained and raped her, before murdering her with the crossbow.
Hannah Hunt was also killed with the crossbow when she returned home from work.
Clifford claimed the forensic evidence of sex was explained by consensual relations on June 23. However, Morgan told jurors this argument was "untenable".
Defence counsel Phil Bradley KC said the central issue was whether scientific findings could be explained by "sexual activity on June 23" or by "rape on July 9".
The judge told jurors it would be "fundamentally wrong" to think Clifford must be guilty of "anything else" because he admitted murder.
Louise Hunt was described by friends as "a caring, positive and happy person".
John Hunt's daughters Hannah and Louise were killed along with their mother CarolFacebookFriends and family were concerned about her relationship with Clifford. She had told a friend that Clifford had a "nasty temper" and had "behaved in an aggressive manner" several times.
A family member found Clifford "odd" and said that the family found the defendant "disrespectful, rude and arrogant".
Louise told Clifford the relationship was "sucking the life out of me". Clifford had allegedly also been in relationships with other women while dating Louise.
Following the murders, Clifford became the subject of a manhunt before being found injured in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield.
He had shot himself in the chest with the crossbow. The jury was told he is now paralysed from the chest downwards.
Clifford, from Enfield in North London, has not been in court to hear the start of his trial.
The trial continues.
