A Taupo man who killed his partner with a hammer has been sent to jail for at least 11 years.
Martin Schofield at sentencing today. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae
Martin Schofield, 50, had pleaded guilty to the murder of Katrina Drummond in their Taupo home in April this year.
In the High Court in Rotorua today, he was given a life sentence with an 11-year non-parole period.
Katrina Drummond Photo: Facebook
The court heard that Schofield argued with 47-year-old Ms Drummond after she told him she was seeing another man.
Schofield then went to the garage and vandalised her car before grabbing a hammer and hitting her on the head at least seven times.
He then left the house and drove to the Taupo Police Station to hand himself in.
Justice Toogood described the attack as unprovoked and cowardly.
He said the killing was not planned but arose from a jealous rage.
Two of Ms Drummond's three daughters gave victim impact statements to the court saying that they would never forgive their father for killing their mother.
