Are parents dead? asks accused son
From the Wiltshire Times, first published Friday 27th Jan 2006.
CLARKE MURDER TRIAL: ONE of the first officers to speak to Michael Clarke after the bodies of his parents had been found was Chippenham police officer Pc David Hunt.
In the witness box on Tuesday Pc Hunt read extracts from his notebook of comments made by Clarke at the scene and at the police station.
2.10am: "Came home with friends approximately 10 minutes before police. Jon (Scott) dropped me off. Lights on. Me and two other friends went to London. Thought they waited up. Inside unlocked door. Bags down. Microwave was on. Thought dad was making drink downstairs. Answer machine on. Went upstairs."
Pc Hunt records Clarke is crying uncontrollably at this stage.
"My dad on the floor, my mum was in the bedroom. Ran out knocked on Tracy's door.'
4.02am: Conversation recorded while in police station.
"(Microwave) still on with drink in. Left it alone. Thought dad having drink. TV on. Vimto lemonade in hallway under stairs on cabinet.
"Did sometimes leave me a drink, assumed same again. Drink that. Three minutes. Went upstairs. Downstairs toilet."
Pc Hunt told the court he took this to mean Clarke went upstairs within three minutes after using the downstairs toilet.
4.12am: Pc Hunt recorded a conversation between him and Clarke made at 3.50am while they were travelling to the police station.
He said: "I was asked (by Clarke) if both his parents were dead. My reply was, they are I'm afraid'."
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