Connect with us

Crime

Life for murdering wife’s lover – his accomplice son gets same sentence

Avatar photo

Published

on

A father and son who acted like “a pack of animals” in the murder of a man in Downham Market have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Wayne Peckham, 48, and his son Riley, 23, both of Manby Close, Hilgay, were last month found guilty of murdering 39-year-old Matthew Rodwell following a six-week trial.

Both men had denied murdering Matthew who had been in a relationship with Wayne’s wife and Riley’s mother.

39-year-old Matthew Rodwell

39-year-old Matthew Rodwell

Sentencing Wayne and Riley Peckham today (Tuesday 18 April 2023) at Norwich Crown Court, His Honour Judge Bate commented that Wayne was “obsessively jealous” and had committed a “brutal and sustained” attack.

Advertisements
canopyuk.com in-article

Wayne Peckham was ordered to serve a minimum term of 24 years while Riley will serve a minimum of 18 years in prison.

The attack happened at Wayne’s ex-partner’s home in Bulrush Close on 23 January last year.

Where both men beat Matthew through repeated punches, kicks, and stamps. Just before the attack, Matthew hid upstairs while making a frantic 999 call to police, which records the whole incident.

Matthew is heard urging police to hurry before Riley can be heard in the background shouting ‘you are going to die”.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene but despite treatment, Matthew was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wayne Peckham, 48, and his son Riley, 23, both of Manby Close, Hilgay, were last month found guilty of murdering 39-year-old Matthew Rodwell following a six-week trial.

Wayne Peckham, 48, and his son Riley, 23, both of Manby Close, Hilgay, were last month found guilty of murdering 39-year-old Matthew Rodwell following a six-week trial.Photo of the son’s arrest.

Both Riley and Wayne were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

During the investigation officers examined CCTV footage from the scene and found that Wayne had visited the address earlier that day and had moved the doorbell camera, before returning later that night.

Similarly, just before the attack, Riley went to the back of the house and moved a CCTV camera.

Senior Investigating Officer T/Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said the evidence demonstrated an element of pre-planning. “It’s clear from watching the CCTV clips that both knew exactly what they are doing and why.

“They clearly intended to cause Matthew harm with the level of violence used. We also know Matthew had been threatened by them several times during his relationship.

“The jury’s verdict was unanimous and the right outcome, especially for Matthew’s family who have shown exceptional bravery and patience during this process.

“Some of the evidence, particularly the 999 call, was difficult for many people to hear, but especially for Matthew’s loved ones.

“Wayne and Riley acted in jealous rage, like a pack of animals, and the sentences passed today mean they can longer be danger to anyone else.

“As ever, our thoughts remain with Matthew’s family and friends, and we will continue to support them for as long as they need.”

Both men were convicted over an earlier assault against another man which happened in December 2021 in Downham Market.

Wayne was convicted of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and but found not guilty of assault by beating. He was also convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his ex-partner on January 23 last year.

Riley was also convicted assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the same December incident.

Wayne was sentenced to three years and three months combined for the three assaults to be served concurrently with his life sentence.

Riley received 12 months for the assault in December, also to be served concurrently with his life sentence.

 

 

 

 

Can you help us?

While you’re here, we are asking, for the first time, for readers to support us financially by taking out a modest subscription.

£2, or £3 or even £5 will help us achieve our goals. It will mean the second year of CambsNews will be livelier, healthier, and much better placed to cover the important issues affecting our everyday lives.

Your subscription simply means we can provide and expand our news FREE to all readers (Read More)

Will you help us? Simply click the link below to make a donation.

Facebook

Read More

News12 hours ago

We need YOUR support to take CambsNews to the next level – here’s how YOU can help

We are asking, for the first time, for readers to support us financially by taking out a modest subscription.

Blake Healy (right) and Zak Wales being arrested. The meat and fish also in the photo had been stolen by Zak Wales. Blake Healy (right) and Zak Wales being arrested. The meat and fish also in the photo had been stolen by Zak Wales.
Crime12 hours ago

Jailing two Cambridge shoplifters ‘will be welcome news to businesses’

'This pair show no regard for walking out of stores with baskets full of stolen items'

Susan Folkes, 68, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport, died after the red Ford Focus she was driving was involved in a crash with two tractors Susan Folkes, 68, of Black Horse Drove, Littleport, died after the red Ford Focus she was driving was involved in a crash with two tractors
News13 hours ago

‘Loyal and kind’ woman killed in crash on the A10 near Littleport

A 40-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving

Norwood Road, March, ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for a scheme poised to bring 50 new affordable homes to the heart of March, comprising of all affordable rent properties. Completion on the site, supported by grant funding from Homes England, is expected in November 2025. Norwood Road, March, ‘ground breaking’ ceremony for a scheme poised to bring 50 new affordable homes to the heart of March, comprising of all affordable rent properties. Completion on the site, supported by grant funding from Homes England, is expected in November 2025.
News13 hours ago

Accent’s accelerated charge to reduce housing waiting lists in Cambridgeshire

Accent speaks of its development ambitions for them across Fenland, Huntingdonshire, and Cambridgeshire

Cllr Asim Mahmood and Andrew Pakes Labour Parliamentary candidate, on a visit to the bus depot in Lincoln Road, Peterborough. Cllr Asim Mahmood and Andrew Pakes Labour Parliamentary candidate, on a visit to the bus depot in Lincoln Road, Peterborough.
News15 hours ago

£200,000 finally released to kick start ‘overwhelming’ need for new bus depot for Peterborough

'I am looking forward to working with the Combined Authority to help deliver many of our priorities'

Drug dealer George Bellamy, 24, of Broadway, Yaxley, had heroin, cocaine and £2,290 in cash when he was arrested: a further £3,170 in cash was found in a safe. Drug dealer George Bellamy, 24, of Broadway, Yaxley, had heroin, cocaine and £2,290 in cash when he was arrested: a further £3,170 in cash was found in a safe.
Crime17 hours ago

By George! Drug dealer told cough up £5,000 or face extra time in jail

'Not only has Bellamy got a significant prison sentence, but he must also pay back his ill-gotten gains'

Joy, as she was known to one and all, leaves her husband of 57 years, three children and six grandchildren. Joy, as she was known to one and all, leaves her husband of 57 years, three children and six grandchildren.
News17 hours ago

Family tribute to wife, mum and grandmother, 79, killed in A16 crash near Peterborough

'She wore many different hats during her life including working for the American air force at Mildenhall'

Historic day for Huntingdon as HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new fire station and Cambs fire and rescue training centre Historic day for Huntingdon as HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new fire station and Cambs fire and rescue training centre
News18 hours ago

GALLERY: Huntingdon fire station welcomes HRH The Princess Royal

Evlyn, 8, and Keevah, 11 – whose fathers work at the fire station – presented Her Royal Highness with a...

Ernie Almond, who has died aged 80 after a short illness. He spent many happy years as a radio presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio, as one half of the popular “Ern and Vern Show”. Ernie Almond, who has died aged 80 after a short illness. He spent many happy years as a radio presenter on BBC Three Counties Radio, as one half of the popular “Ern and Vern Show”.
News19 hours ago

Radio legend Ernie Almond: ‘A funny modest talented and selfless man with just a hint of mischief’

Ernie Almond joined the Black Cat Radio team from the moment of its FM launch in April 2017

Firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon over reduction in reduction to fire crews PHOTO: Mark Thomas Firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon over reduction in reduction to fire crews PHOTO: Mark Thomas
News1 day ago

HRH The Princess Royal finds one’s way interrupted by protesting firefighters

Cambridgeshire firefighters stage protest in Huntingdon