A tragic incident unfolded as a woman was attacked during her evening stroll near a beach in Kent. Claire Knights, a 54-year-old artist, was ambushed by Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss while walking back to her car from the beach in the Minnis Bay area of Birchington on August 23, 2023. Her lifeless body was found by her family between St Nicholas at Wade and Minnis Bay on August 25, two days after she was reported missing. Claire, a mother from Upstreet near Canterbury, was believed to be accompanied by her white and brown spaniel named Zebulon during the fateful encounter. Van-Pooss was handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 25-and-a-half years, by Mr. Justice Garnham at Canterbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to murder. He not only ambushed Claire, but also sexually assaulted and killed her before hiding her body. Additionally, he took Claire’s dog, which was later found with him when he was apprehended, to a nearby store and purchased treats for it. Apart from the murder charge, Van-Pooss also admitted guilt in a separate incident involving upskirting, for which he received a concurrent one-month prison sentence. Despite pleading guilty, he was unable to provide a genuine account of the events that transpired. The judge highlighted how Van-Pooss had committed a brutal sexual assault and inflicted fatal injuries on Claire before callously concealing her body. The defense argued a lack of premeditation, emphasizing the defendant’s young age and clean record prior to this crime. However, the judge condemned Van-Pooss’s actions as unprovoked and stated that he had caused immeasurable pain to Claire’s loved ones. The community was deeply affected by the targeting of a lone woman, leading to widespread concern and fear. The Crown Prosecution Service described the incident as a horrific ordeal for Claire, who was overpowered and alone during the assault. The impact of this senseless act reverberated throughout the region, leaving many grappling with the tragedy and its repercussions.
“Women deserve the freedom to move about safely, without the constant threat of violence looming over them. This includes being able to navigate isolated areas without fear of being attacked. The scourge of male violence against women must be eradicated from our society. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators such as Lawrence Van-Pooss, who commit heinous acts against women, are brought to justice.
Throughout the ordeal, Claire’s family and friends have displayed remarkable strength and grace. Today marks a significant moment as the man responsible for Claire’s murder, is finally behind bars for life. It is our hope that this verdict offers her loved ones some solace in their grief.
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