A man aged in his sixties has appeared in court accused of murdering a married couple – the parents of four young children.
Derek Martin, also known as Derek Glenn, is charged with killing Josh, 33, and Chloe Bashford, 30, whose bodies were found at their home in Lewes Road, Newhaven, East Sussex, on Friday, June 9.
The 64-year-old defendant, of Moulsecoomb Way, Brighton, appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today wearing a grey jumper and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
He was known to the victims, Sussex Police said.
Martin was remanded in custody and will next appear in a crown court on a date yet to be set.
Members of the couple’s family earlier paid tribute to them, saying they were “funny and loving”.
Georgie Last, a niece of the couple wrote on Facebook of her “heartbreak”.
She added: “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.”
Also on Facebook, Simon Glenn wrote: “Still does not feel real, just can’t process it.
“My baby sister Chloe taken away from us way too soon, such a gentle soul.”
Stephen Glenn added: “Taken cruelly from us far too young, leaving four beautiful children behind.
“You were and will always be our baby sister, we will miss you dearly and you will be forever in our thoughts and prayers RIP.”
A Sussex Police spokesman said post-mortem tests have been scheduled to take place in the next week to confirm causes of death.
