Witness tells of events surrounding attack

A witness to the events around the attack on Craig Rippon gave his account in the High Court at Whanganui on Wednesday.

Tyrone Peter Madams, Matthew Thomas Madams, Kevin Roy Madams, and two youths are charged with the murder of Mr Rippon, 57 in Whanganui on November 8 2015. They are also charged with participating in a criminal organisation. They have denied the charges.

The witness, who cannot be identified, said he became aware of a group of four people entering the Rimu St, Castlecliff property.

"I could hear glass breaking."

He confronted what appeared to be the driver of the group who remained outside by the vehicle.

According to the witness the driver was almost apologetic.

"He said 'sorry mate sorry'."

At that point the witness said he was threatened by a young man with a steel pole.

"He said 'come on motherf*****r you and me one on one'," the witness said.

The group left shortly after. The witness entered the property to assist. He found Craig Rippon lying on the ground, being held by his son, he told the court.

"From what I saw of his injuries my first reaction was 'oh this blokes in a bit of trouble,'" he told the court.

The trial began on October 27 and continues tomorrow. It is expected to last four weeks.

In June, Tyrone William Madams pleaded guilty to Mr Rippon's murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment.