‘Highly sexualised’ killer, 21, who beat mum to death as she walked dog on beach is jailed for life for murder
A “HIGHLY sexualised” killer who assaulted then beat a mum to death as she walked her dog on the beach has been jailed for life.
Harrison Lawrence Van-Pooss, 21, carried out a violent sexual attack on Claire Knights after ambushing her in Minnis Bay, Kent.
Claire, 54, was discovered dead by her devastated son two days later as her family mounted a search for the missing mum.
Van-Pooss has now been jailed for life with a minimum of term of 25 years and 183 days for murder.
The vile monster caused Claire’s family even more anguish during his sentencing after a letter he wrote was read to the court.
He claimed the talented artist had “not died in pain and suffering” – despite her horror injuries – causing her family to storm out.
Less than 24 hours before the brutal murder, Van-Pooss had been caught upskirting a woman at a bar in the seaside town where he worked.
He had gone on the run – armed with his chef’s knife – and camped out in a den overnight close to the beach.
Canterbury Crown Court heard that on August 23, 2023, Van-Pooss was captured on CCTV strolling around Birchington as he went to the gym.
He also went to a local shop and bought sweets, a soft drink, tobacco, lighters and a large bottle of Captain Morgan Spiced rum.
The “powerful” killer then went hunting for a lone woman that he could carry out a terrifying sex attack on.
He pounced on Claire as she walked pet spaniel Zebulon and sexually assaulted the mum before beating her until she was unconscious.
Van-Pooss then dumped her body in a nearby water-filled dyke while she was still alive.
Claire’s cause of death was given as blunt force trauma and drowning after she suffered multiple fractures to her head and face.
She had also sustained bruising to her neck and thighs consistent with being restrained.
After the killing, Van-Pooss took dog Zebulon with him to a nearby shop and bought more treats.
As well as pleading guilty to Claire’s murder, he also admitted a charge of upskirting.
Following her death, a family statement released by Kent Police said: “Claire was a loving mum, partner, daughter and sister.
“An amazing contemporary artist, a trailblazer in life.
“She loved animals and in particular her springer spaniel, Zebulon.
“We, the family, are struggling to come to terms with the fact she is no longer with us.
“We wish to thank friends and the community for their active support and kind words.”