Murderer brought back to Essex after he fled to Ireland to escape justice is caged for life

A MAN found guilty of murdering 29-year-old Kerrin Repman in a targeted hit and run has been given a life sentence.

Keith McCarthy, 42, (above) will spend a minimum of 22 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

Kerrin died after a BMW, driven by McCarthy, hit the moped he was riding along Marine Parade, Dovercourt, in April 2020.

A pedestrian, a woman in her 70s at the time, was also left with life-changing injuries after the moped slid across the road and struck her.

Rather than check on those he had injured, McCarthy, of no fixed abode, fled the country in an attempt to escape the justice system.

Around-the-clock work by specialist officers from our Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, the Crown Prosecution Service, Interpol, the National Crime Agency and a £5,000 reward offered by the charity Crimestoppers, ensured that he was brought back to the UK to face the courts.

When charged, McCarthy claimed that the collision had been accidental but following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder and GBH with intent.

Evidence collected by the investigating teams proved to the jury that his actions had been deliberate, showing that the BMW had weaved in and out of traffic and sped up on the approach to Kerrin.

McCarthy had also assaulted Kerrin in the days before his death in a dispute about money.

Today, Thursday 3 November, the judge handed down a life sentence at St Albans Crown Court. He will spend a minimum of 22 years behind bars before he is eligible for parole and has been banned from driving for10 years upon his release from prison.

Senior Investigating Officer for the case, Detective Superintendent Scott Egerton said:

“All of the officers and staff members who have investigated Kerrin’s murder over the past two years have been determined to secure justice for his family and the woman significantly injured while out walking that day.

“It’s our motivation day in and day out in every case we work on.

“This investigation has been an excellent collaboration between numerous law enforcement agencies with a shared common goal.

“Not only did our hard work unanimously convince the jury that he murdered Kerrin, but it’s resulted in McCarthy being given a life sentence and we’re all extremely proud and honoured to have been a part of that.

“We’re also extremely grateful for the support shown by both Kerrin’s family and the woman injured in the collision throughout this incredibly difficult time.”

After hearing the sentence, Kerrin’s family said:

“Everyone used to say you would know Kerrin was in the room before you saw him. He had the best laugh and the biggest smile. He’s our ray of sunshine.

“The impact this has had on his three young children is unimaginable. They’re so confused, they still ask us where their dad is.

“As a mother, I wanted to always have Kerrin with me so I have his picture tattooed on my arm. His young daughter will kiss it when she visits.

“It breaks your heart to see what they’re going through.

They said:

“Throughout the investigation and court, the detectives and officers have always been supportive of our family.

“We knew that we were all on the same page right from the very beginning and wanted the same thing, to get his murderer.

“Although we’re thrilled that McCarthy was found guilty and will spend his days behind bars, no amount of time will ever be enough to fill the hole that is missing in our lives.

“We shouldn’t have to go to Kerrin’s grave each Christmas and birthday. He should be here with his family.

“McCarthy may have taken Kerrin away from us physically, but we will always have his love and memories with us, and holding onto that is the only way we’ll be able to get through our lives without him.

“It takes a truly evil person to do what he’s done to this family.”

A 54-year-old man, a 46-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man arrested during the investigation will not face any further action.