Oct 25, 2025TechUKBBC

Double murderer Derek Martin 'played the system' families say

A woman grieving, representing the families of the victims

Derek Martin, a double murderer, has been accused by the families of his victims of having "played the system". Chloe and Joshua Bashford were killed in their home in two separate, violent attacks.

Elaine Sturges, Chloe's mother and Martin's former wife, revealed that Martin was lying about not being responsible for his actions. "He always told us 'I know how to play the system. I know...'", she stated during an emotional interview.

The families claim Martin manipulated legal procedures to evade full accountability for his crimes. "He's been lying from the start", Sturges added, expressing frustration with the justice system's handling of the case.

The murders have sparked renewed debate about loopholes in the legal system that may have enabled Martin's actions. Community members are demanding reforms to prevent similar tragedies.

"We need justice for Chloe and Josh", a family spokesperson said. "This shouldn't happen to anyone else."

Read the original reporting on BBC.