Jury Convicts Man for Murder of Christchurch Father in Dramatic Trial

A jury in Christchurch has found a man guilty of murdering father-of-two David Bridgwater, who was fatally shot in the abdomen outside a property in Aranui on January 4, 2024. The defendant, referred to as Holder, had pleaded not guilty, claiming he acted in self-defence. The verdict was met with emotional reactions from the public gallery, where cheers and sobs echoed as family members expressed relief and sorrow.

The family of the victim described the verdict as a significant relief. Jason Bridgwater, David’s older brother, spoke of the toll the last 18 months have taken on the family. “We lost a brother, lost a son, two young boys lost their father, and that scumbag took his life,” he stated. He emphasized the ongoing grief, saying, “It doesn’t finish today. We suffer with it for the rest of our lives.” Jason Bridgwater also expressed hope that the justice system would ensure Holder faces appropriate consequences.

During the trial, Crown prosecutor Kerry White argued that Holder acted with “murderous intent” on the night of the shooting. She pointed to the fact that Holder had been in possession of a loaded firearm for over an hour prior to the incident, calling this behavior “chilling”. The prosecution outlined that Bridgwater had attended the Juicy Fest music festival earlier that day before arriving at Holder’s home in Carisbrooke Street to collect methamphetamine.

White described the atmosphere at Holder’s residence, where Bridgwater was reported to have behaved rudely and aggressively before being asked to leave. She noted, “The defendant was clearly the predominant aggressor throughout much of his account of what happened.” As Bridgwater attempted to exit, Holder and his partner, Leanne Crighton, followed him outside, where a physical altercation ensued.

In her closing statements, White addressed inconsistencies in Holder’s claims, highlighting that evidence suggested Bridgwater was attacked by two individuals. “It was two against one,” she stated. White also referred to expert testimony that suggested Bridgwater would have died within one to three minutes after being shot, further undermining Holder’s account of events following the incident.

The prosecution raised suspicions about Holder’s credibility, noting that Crighton had destroyed an outdoor security camera. White questioned the motive behind this action, stating, “Why destroy the footage that would exonerate you if, as Mr. Holder claims, he was acting in self-defence?” She argued that such actions indicated Holder’s guilty mindset.

Defence lawyer John Wayne Howell countered the prosecution’s narrative, asserting that Bridgwater’s behavior had escalated to aggression, exacerbated by alcohol and methamphetamine. Howell contended that the shooting was a reaction to a dynamic situation, claiming Holder did not intend to kill Bridgwater but fired the shot as a warning. “Holder had just fired an illegal firearm on the street. His mind was racing. He was in shock. He was panicking,” Howell argued.

The jury’s verdict brings a conclusion to a trial that has deeply impacted both families involved. The emotional and legal ramifications of this case will resonate in the Christchurch community as they reflect on the tragic loss of life and the complexities of justice.