Man jailed for at least 17 years over murder during failed drug robbery

A man has been sentenced to at least 17 years in prison for murder during a botched drug robbery in Western New South Wales. Mark Peckham was found guilty by a jury in March of murdering 41-year-old George Kirk in August 2023.

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We loved him deeply and we miss him every minute of every day.

Justice Nicholas Chen handed down the sentence of 24 years with a non-parole period of 17 years and six months at the Supreme Court in Orange. The court heard that Peckham and an accomplice entered the victim's home demanding drugs. When Kirk and his partner denied having any, a struggle ensued, and Kirk was fatally stabbed.

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I am broken. My heart is torn in two.

Tammy Antaw, Kirk's partner, testified that she witnessed Peckham deliver the fatal blow. The victim's parents and sister submitted statements detailing their profound grief and the lasting impact of his death. They described an "unbearable" sense of loss and a shattered sense of safety.

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He certainly has an issue of anger but that issue of anger discloses the need for psychological intervention rather than a need for increase in specific deterrence.

The court acknowledged aggravating factors, including the commission of the crime within a home, a place where residents should feel secure. Peckham's lengthy criminal record, including previous jail time and being on bail at the time of the offense, was also considered. His defense argued for psychological intervention due to anger issues, while the judge noted Peckham's history of drug use and poor rehabilitation prospects, partly due to childhood trauma and a PTSD diagnosis.

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I consider his rehabilitation prospects poor.