UK crossbow killer sentenced to life for killing BBC commentator's family

​​​​​​​By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - Kyle Clifford was sentenced to life for the brutal murders of BBC commentator John Hunt's wife and his two daughters.

The former soldier was found guilty of killing the three family members with a crossbow last July.

Clifford also received a concurrent 20-year sentence for raping his ex-girlfriend.

The judge said he was "satisfied Clifford planned and contemplated killing all three of his victims."

Clifford was also given additional sentences, including one year for possession of a crossbow, one year for possessing a knife and eight years for false imprisonment.

In an emotional statement delivered in court, John Hunt spoke of his anguish, describing Clifford's actions as a fate "worse than death."

He called Clifford a "psychopath" and expressed disgust for the violence inflicted upon his family.

For the first time since the murders, Hunt addressed the court, saying, “You killed three beautiful mockingbirds, Kyle.”

He added that Clifford’s misery would "last for eternity," a sentiment shared by the judge who emphasized the severity of Clifford's crimes.​​​​​​​