Norwich Crown Court judge's family threatened over murder case

Steven Webb apparently had no connection to Wayne (left) and Riley Peckham, who were jailed for life in April

A man sent threatening messages to the family of a crown court judge, demanding that a father and son's murder convictions be overturned.

Steven Webb targeted the judge who had presided in the case of Wayne and Riley Peckham, of Downham Market, Norfolk.

The pair were jailed at Norwich Crown Court for Matthew Rodwell's murder.

Webb, of Watton, admitted four counts of perverting the course of justice and was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 18 months, suspended for two years.

Norfolk Police, speaking after the case, said the 34-year-old apparently had no links to the Peckhams.

The pair acted "like a pack of animals" when they set upon Mr Rodwell, who was the new partner of Wayne Peckham's wife.

They punched, kicked and stamped on their victim and were given life sentences in April for the killing in January 2022.

'Ur in big trouble'

Family members of the presiding judge later received messages written in block capitals from a fake social media account.

They included the words "overturn Riley and Wayne conviction or else" and "ur in big trouble".

Further messages said "see you and your family really really soon" and "we have all your pics", with the profile also sending family photos.

Police said Webb was arrested in May and officers seized various devices from his home in Charles Avenue.

They were found to contain photo collages that had been sent to the victims, searches for the family names from his personal social media accounts, as well as research into the case of the Peckhams.

Webb was also given a restraining order, a deprivation order for his computer equipment and a rehabilitation activity requirement for 30 days.

Det Con Adam Ruskin said: "Webb showed a clear disregard and lack of compassion for all parties who were deeply affected by the Peckhams' murder trial.

"He deliberately targeted the family of a prominent member of our legal system with the intention to have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing.

"Furthermore, they were a targeted attempt to pervert and alter the course of justice in what was a harrowing, profound case for all involved."