Downham Market murder trial: Defence from Riley Peckham continues as he explains relationship with his father
A man accused of murdering his mother's new partner was questioned as to whether he had spoken to his father about evidence given during the trial on their return to prison.
Wayne Peckham, 48, and Riley Peckham, 23, both of Manby Close, Hilgay, are on trial at Norwich Crown Court after pleading not guilty to the murder of Matthew Rodwell, 39, at an address in Bulrush Avenue, Downham, on January 23 last year, as well as other offences, including assault occasioning ABH in a separate incident.
On Tuesday, the jury heard again from Riley Peckham, who was first questioned by Patrick Upward KC on behalf of his father, and later by prosecutor Riel Karmy Jones KC.
Peckham Jnr described his childhood as "happy" and said that he didn't see his parents argue "once".
Mr Upward questioned Peckham Jnr further about his relationship with his father and co-defendant Peckham Snr which he said was "good" and added that they often confided in each other with any problems that they were having.
"He confided in me a lot and spoke about his feelings, we had a connection where we would speak to each other."
Peckham Jnr also added: "Me and my mum always got on fine."
It was explained that Peckham Jnr moved away between 2018 and 2021, before returning back to Hilgay to live with his younger brother and Peckham Snr.
He was asked why he decided not to live with his mother, Kerry Peckham, to which he replied: "It was my family home."
Peckham Jnr also recalled his mother and father spending Christmas 2021 together and that: "It felt like normal times."
He recalled not remembering a video being published by his father on social media of a coat belonging to his youngest son being burnt.
The coat was given to him as a present by Matthew Rodwell.
Peckham Jnr was asked about a message he had sent to his mother, which read: "You need to f*****g stop putting stuff about dad on Facebook, your boyfriend is getting too big for his boots."
"I'm sure it was about her putting pictures of her and Matt on Facebook," he said.
He also said that after moving out, Mrs Peckham would often visit the family house at Manby Close and would stay for "two nights a week" and share a bed with Peckham Snr.
He recalled a family meeting being held where Mrs Peckham said that she would be moving back in.
"I thought mum and dad were going to get back together again," said Peckham Jnr.
Mr Upward asked Peckham Jnr how his father's mood changed when there was potential that the relationship would re-kindle. He said: "He was devastated that he didn't have her around.
"He was so happy, it was like he had been born again."
He was also further questioned about Mr Rodwell feeling like he was being followed by Peckham Jnr and Snr in the latter's Nissan Pickup truck.
"I think we were heading to the petrol station, not deliberately following Matthew," said Peckham Jnr.
He was later asked in court about why CCTV cameras were taken down outside the property of 23 Bulrush Avenue, Downham.
"I just felt like my mum was watching me, I know it was stupid."
"She wasn't answering the door to me, it was making me a bit angry. I felt like I was second best."
Peckham Jnr said that once he got into the property, Mrs Peckham appeared concerned. He said: "Mum was following me about, she followed me up the stairs while I was looking for Matt's stuff.
"I had been told he moved out, I thought she was lying to me.
"When you've known someone for 23 years of your life, you know when they're lying.
"She was trying to usher me out, I was irritated and pacing around the house like a stroppy teenager."
Peckham Jnr was also asked if he remembered his mother shouting to his father "Get Riley out."
"I was in no mood to be listening to her, I admit that."
"Was Matthew alive and punching when he was on the floor?" Peckham Jnr was asked.
"Yes he was."
He was questioned as to why Wayne was heard on the 999 call saying: "Come here you c**t".
"I didn't see it with my own eyes but that's not to say that it didn't happen.
"He was upset because he knew he was being cheated on again."
He said that his father was crying and said to Mr Rodwell: "She's f****d me and f*****d you at the same time."
Peckham was asked by prosecutor Riel Karmy Jones KC about why he didn't say some of this information the day before.
"I have had time to reflect on it, we actually fell out last night."
"You've had a lot of time together, you're in the same prison wing and in the same cell for some time. Have you discussed what you were going to say?" asked the prosecutor.
Peckham Jnr replied: "No. I answer the questions that I'm asked."
The prosecutor continued: "On both occasions you caused violence, and you threatened to kill people, were they both fuelled by alcohol?"
Peckham Jnr replied "no" to both questions.
He was asked whose fault it was that Mr Rodwell died.
"It's my own fault what happened, if I didn't go into the house it wouldn't have happened.
"I hold her accountable for lying."
Peckham Jnr answered "yes" when asked if he looked up to his father and enjoyed his company.
He also accepted that he is "emotionally immature" but denied being "desperate for approval" from his father.
He also admitted to being upset when his parents broke up.
"As you're an adult, do you agree it's not your place to get involved in your mother's life?" asked Ms Karmy-Jones.
"It does involve me," said Peckham Jnr.
He admitted to looking at Mr Rodwell's Facebook posts regularly and saw pictures of him and Mrs Peckham together, despite not being friends with him.
Peckham Jnr was heard previously calling Mr Rodwell "a school girl" for driving Mrs Peckham's car.
"It's not how I felt about him, I was just being horrible," Peckham Jnr said.
The trial continues.