Partner vows to 'haunt' Angela Blackmoore's murderers

Laurie Anderson was Angela Blackmoore's partner when she was murdered in 1995 – she was carrying their child at the time of her death. (Source: 1News)

Angela Blackmoore's partner at the time of her death is disappointed her murderers only face a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.

Laurie Anderson, who's been fighting for justice since his 21-year-old "dream woman" was killed in 1995, spoke outside the High Court in Christchurch after David Hawken and Rebecca Wright-Meldrum were sentenced.

The pair, who were found guilty by a jury in December, have been given a life sentence for taking the life of the young pregnant mother on August 17, almost 30 years ago.

Outside court Anderson said he was glad it was the end of the court process.

But he told media he would've liked the pair's minimum period in jail to be longer, and he intended to be at every parole hearing in a bid to see them remain behind bars as long as possible.

Angela Blackmoore

"I don't go away, I'm gonna haunt them for rest of the time they're serving their time."

He said it was thanks to media that justice has been served.

"I know the media is having a hard time at the moment but it's the media that brought this case to trial, we need a strong media for other people and other victims to make justice fair."

Earlier Anderson had told the court about how much their baby, which Blackmoore was carrying at the time of her death, had meant to them.

"I used to rub her tummy at night knowing we were making this beautiful baby together.

"We were planning all the things we were going to do together as a family."

'Nothing short of inspirational'

Justice Rachel Dunningham, who handed down the sentence to Hawken and Wright-Meldrum, made a special mention of Anderson during the sentencing.

"Mr Anderson, your steadfast devotion to see justice for Ms Blackmoore is nothing short of inspirational," she said.

"You've honoured her through your ongoing support of the long police investigation, and then your commitment to attending first the aborted trial and then the full trial"

She said the summary she had given of the crime did not convey the devastating impact it has had on him, in particular.

'Today was about Angela and her family.'

Police have acknowledged the sentences handed down today.

In a statement Detective Sergeant Todd Hamilton said it's been a long process for all involved.

Rebecca Wright-Meldrum

"Today was about Angela and her family.

"It has been a long and painful nearly three decades since Angela was taken away from them, with most of those spent not knowing who was responsible.

Both police and Justice Dunningham commented on the fact some of Angela's family did not live to see justice.

Hamilton said "her family, including her parents who are no longer with us, have conducted themselves with dignity and perseverance across this long and difficult journey".

David Hawken

He said police have remained focused on getting answers for the family.

"In May 2019, as part of a renewed push for information, police offered a reward for information in relation to Angela’s murder.

"Later that year, police filed charges against two people, one of whom pleaded guilty in 2020 (Jeremy Powell) and has already been sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment.

"The second person, plus a third charged in May 2020, have had their sentences handed down today."

Hamilton thanked the police staff that worked "tirelessly" on the case.

"Today’s sentencing doesn’t bring Angela back, and it certainly doesn’t cure the grief the family has endured, but we hope it will help them move forward."

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