Claire Knights murderer jailed after killing 'loving' mum while walking her dog

Claire Knights murderer jailed after killing 'loving' mum while walking her dog Newspoint | 01/03/2025 03:39:16

A thug who killed dog walker Claire Knights on a beach in Kent nearly two years ago has been jailed for life.

Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss has been jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of dog walker Claire Knights near a Kent beach in August 2023. Claire's body was discovered between St Nicholas-At-Wade and Minnis Bay following a two-day search.

She was found dead by her son "face down in the dyke", Canterbury Crown Court heard, with areas of her neck and thigh clearly bruised, marks prosecutors argued showed she had been sexually assaulted while she was alive. Speaking via his lawyer before his sentencing, Van-Pooss said in a statement that he would "never forgive myself".

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Ms Knights, who was not known to Van-Pooss before her death, was threatened by a knife as the killer intended to "terrify and control" her and force her off the path. Van-Pooss was described by prosecuting barrister Alison Morgan KC as a "vast and powerful man" who beat Ms Knights and left her with multiple fractures.

He was later apprehended by police after being found with Ms Kinghts' dog, which he had earlier taken to a shop to buy dog treats, the Crown Prosecution Service said. He claimed not to know who he was when approached by police, who had not yet discovered Ms Knights' murder. After the case was brought to court, Van Pooss pleaded guilty to murder and voyeurism in December 2024.

Natalie Smith from the Crown Prosecution Service South East said: “None of us can imagine the terror that Claire suffered when she was attacked, knowing that she was alone on an isolated path and being overpowered by a strong and determined man. It was our case that Lawrence-Van Pooss singled out Claire as a lone woman walking her dog who would be unable to fight him off.

"Women should be free to safely walk on their own anywhere, even in isolated areas, without fear of being attacked. Male violence against women has no place in our society. The CPS is dedicated to bringing perpetrators like Lawrence-Van Pooss who commit these horrific crimes to justice.

"Claire’s family and friends have shown true resilience and dignity throughout this horrendous time. Today they have finally seen the man who murdered Claire jailed for life and we hope this brings them some small comfort."