Murderer dodges life
months, Tyrone Madams five years and 10 months, and the youth two years, seven months.
Tyrone Madams’ son Tyrone William Madams pleaded guilty to murder before trial, and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 12 years. Another youth was discharged during the trial.
It is accepted the discharged youth, who also has name suppression, was involved in the attack on Rippon’s home on November 8, 2015.
However, police were unable to prove he knew what he was doing at the time was wrong.
The judge said the spark that started events leading to Rippon’s death was the return of a puppy to its owner.
The two youths, who are part of the wider Madams family, found the puppy, but Rippon gave it back to its owner.
Tyrone Peter and Kevin Madams became angry when they learned what had happened, wrongly believing Rippon got a reward.
They, the youths and Matthew Madams went to Rippon’s house. An argument on the front lawn led to Tyrone Peter Madams being pushed over, cutting his eye and losing consciousness. The Madams clan retreated, picking up Tyrone William Madams before returning to Rippon’s.
The youths were wearing Black Power clothing. The youth who pleaded guilty to manslaughter would later tell a pre-sentence report writer he wanted to see what it was like to be in a gang.
While the youths smashed windows and banged on a fence, Tyrone Williams Madams smashed his way into the sunporch.
Rippon, seeing what was happening, left via his back door and walked up the driveway, grabbing a spade as he went.
The youth who pleaded guilty hit Rippon, while Tyrone William Madams carried out a prolonged attack, striking him multiple times to the head.
Kevin and Tyrone Peter Madams made their way onto the property after the assault started, while Matthew Madams stayed by the car.
The judge said Tyrone William Madams was the principal offender, striking the lethal blows, while all the others were involved as a party.
Convicted murderers must be sentenced to life imprisonment unless a judge decides doing so would be manifestly unjust.
It is rare for a judge to use that discretion, with the Standard only finding one other case.
The judge said the difference in culpability between Tyrone Peter and Kevin Madams was the swaying factor. Tyrone Peter Madams was the chief instigator of events, especially when deciding to return to Rippon’s. The disparity between a life sentence for Kevin Madams and what Tyrone Peter Madams got would be too great.
Kevin Madams offered no violence and did not intend for anyone to die. REGION: High Country Clothing has become the latest victim of vandalism in Taihape after its window was smashed. Police said the incident happened overnight on January 27, but had no suspects.