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Father and son Wayne and Riley Peckham sentenced to total of 42 years in prison after murdering Matthew Rodwell in Downham Market




A father and son who murdered a "devoted" dad will spend a combined total of at least 42 years behind bars.

On March 9, a jury found Wayne Peckham, 48, and Riley Peckham, 23, both of Manby Close, Hilgay, guilty of murdering Matthew Rodwell as well as a number of assaults.

Today, at Norwich Crown Court Judge Anthony Bate described the event as a "brutal and sustained assault" in which Mr Rodwell also suffered mentally prior to his death.

Matthew Rodwell
Matthew Rodwell

Wayne and Riley Peckham were handed life sentences, with the former set to serve a minimum of 24 years, while the latter will serve a minimum of 18 years.

The pair have already served 447 days in prison.

It comes after the attack which occurred at Mr Rodwell's home address at Bulrush Avenue in Downham on January 23, 2022, where both men beat the victim through punches, kicks and stamps.

Wayne Peckham. Picture: Norfolk Police
Wayne Peckham. Picture: Norfolk Police

Mr Rodwell was in a relationship with Peckham Snr's former wife, Kerry Peckham, who was also the mother of Peckham Jnr.

Peckham Snr and Jnr denied the murder of Mr Rodwell which lead to a six-week long trial at Norwich Crown Court.

Before the attack, Mr Rodwell hid upstairs and called the police, with the phone call recording the entire incident.

Peckham Jnr was heard twice saying: "You are going to die."

Riley Peckham. Picture: Norfolk Police
Riley Peckham. Picture: Norfolk Police

Police and paramedics were called to the scene but despite treatment, Mr Rodwell was pronounced deceased. Both Peckham Snr and Jnr were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Before the incident took place, Peckham Snr visited the property in Downham and was seen moving a CCTV camera. Later that evening, his son was spotted moving another camera at the back of the property.

Victim impact statements from Mr Rodwell's family were today read out in court by prosecutor Riel Karmy-Jones KC.

The scene in Bulrush Avenue, Downham after the murder
The scene in Bulrush Avenue, Downham after the murder

Amy Pockett, Mr Rodwell's sister, said: "How am I supposed to find the words to describe the pain I'm feeling?

"It's unthinkable to comprehend until it happens to you.

"I didn't expect to get that phone call, my heart dropped, and it hasn't come up since.

"How could anyone do that to Matthew? He may have sometimes acted like a tough man but really he was a big softie.

"I can't remember the last hug from Matt."

She continued to describe the impact the events have had on her and her family's mental wellbeing, and her anger towards the defendants.

"She [Kerry Peckham] had moved on, but you couldn't so you made Matthew's life hell."

Her letter spoke of how Mr Rodwell will now miss out on significant milestones in his two young children's lives.

"It breaks my heart to think about this, and it's all your fault.

"You are not only murderers, but you're thieves."

A further letter from Mr Rodwell's mother, Jackie Pockett read: "I am so proud of my son for what he achieved in his short life.

"He was a cheeky, loving boy and grew to be a wonderful dad, son, uncle and man.

"He was traumatised and scared for the last part of his life.

"At four o'clock in the morning, the police knocked on the door to tell us our beautiful boy was gone."

A final letter from Kerry Peckham was also read out in court, which said: "My world has been ripped apart.

"Wayne, you destroyed the life of Matt and his family but also the lives of your own family.

"Matt was ripped away from me because of your jealousy.

"It fuelled your jealousy even more and you acted in violence.

"You manipulated our loving and funny son with fear that he would become homeless or be beaten up.

"You destroyed my love and respect for you. And your children, they have had to discover what you really are.

"Kacey and Harvey no longer have their big brother in their lives."

Mrs Peckham continued to describe how her hopes of one day marrying Mr Rodwell had been destroyed.

"I will never get over what has happened, it's pure evil."

Ms Karmy-Jones KC told Judge Bates that aggravating features to consider was that it was premeditated, happened at night and at the victim's home with others present.

"Kerry was vulnerable in her own home and tried to stop the assault," she said.

"Aggravating features were there was a significant degree of planning.

"There was mental and physical suffering for the victim."

Ms Karmy-Jones described the "paternal influence" Peckham Snr had on Peckham Jnr when committing the offence.

Defence for Peckham Jnr, Allison Summers, said that Peckham Snr had caused the initial fear which made Mr Rodwell call for the police, not Peckham Jnr.

She disputed that the murder was planned on her client's behalf.

"He wasn't armed with any weapon or seen picking something up to use as a weapon.

"The words you're going to die were of a fighting nature rather than a reliable representation of his intentions."

She concluded by saying that Peckham Jnr had showed remorse to his mother.

"He has shown to her genuine tears and remorse for Matthew's young children. That remorse and regret for what happened is genuine."

Peckham Snr's defence barrister Patrick Upward KC told the judge about the father and son's "excellent" behaviour while serving time in prison.

"He [Peckham Snr] wanted to write a letter to Mr Rodwell's family, it expresses profound condolences.

"He said he is horrified for Matthew's children.

"He wants the family to know he accepts the jury's verdict."

Mr Upward said that Peckham Snr was portrayed as a "drunken brute" who has misbehaved and hurt his family.

"Neighbours and employers contradict that picture," said Mr Upward.

He went on to describe his client as a "pillar of the community".

Following the sentencing, 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," he said.

"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.”

Peckham Snr 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.

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

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

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



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