Father and his son jailed for life after murdering wife's new partner 'in jealous rage'

A father and his son who acted "in jealous rage, like a pack of animals" have been jailed for the murder of his wife's new partner.

Wayne Peckham, 48, and 23-year-old Riley Peckham attacked Matthew Rodwell with repeated punches, kicks and stamps.

Both men were handed life sentences at Norwich Crown Court, with Wayne Peckham ordered to serve a minimum of 24 years and Riley Peckham 18 years.

Mr Rodwell, 39, was in a relationship with Wayne Peckham's wife, Kerry Peckham, who is Riley Peckham's mother.

The two men went to her home in Bulrush Close in Downham Market, Norfolk, on 23 January last year and forced their way in, having moved CCTV cameras.

'You are going to die'

Mr Rodwell hid upstairs and made a 999 call to police.

Riley Peckham was heard in the background shouting "You are going to die".

Riley Peckham and Mr Rodwell fought upstairs, while Mrs Peckham tried to restrain Wayne Peckham downstairs.

But Mr Rodwell ended up at the bottom of the stairs, where the attack continued, and police arrived to find him seriously injured.

He died at the scene, with Wayne Peckham arrested immediately and Riley Peckham caught two hours later at a relative's address, having fled the scene in handcuffs.

Both men, of Manby Close, Hilgay, denied murder but were found guilty following an earlier trial at Norwich Crown Court, Norfolk Police said.

'No longer a danger to anyone else'

Senior investigating officer Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Chris Burgess, from the Major Investigation Team, said: "Wayne and Riley acted in jealous rage, like a pack of animals, and the sentences passed today mean they can no longer be a danger to anyone else."

Wayne Peckham was also convicted of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over an earlier assault against another man which happened in Downham Market in December 2021.

Riley Peckham was convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to that same incident.

Wayne Peckham was also convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Mrs Peckham on 23 January last year.