Horse breeder murderer sentenced

Greg Meads' wife Helen had said she was going to leave him. Photo / Christine Cornege

A horse breeder who shot his wife in the throat with a shotgun has been sentenced to at least 11 years' jail.

Greg Meads, 55, was sentenced in the High Court at Hamilton this morning after he was found guilty of murdering his wife Helen Meads at their Matamata farm in September 2009.

He must also pay reparations of $50,000, comprising of $15,000 to his victim's parents David and Pam White, $15,000 each to daughters Kimberly White and Samantha Meads and $5000 to his wife's sister Robin. The lump sum must be paid by December 16.

Before today's sentencing, Helen Meads' daughter, Kimberley White, spoke through tears as she read her victim impact statement, turning frequently to address her mother's killer.

"I now live with constant nightmares about mum," she said.

"I wake up every morning thinking she is still alive.

"These nightmares are something an 18-year-old girl should never have to deal with."

As he had throughout his entire trial, Meads again showed no emotion as the victim impact statements were read.

The public gallery was full, largely with supporters of Helen Meads.

Meads found guilty at trial

At his 2009 trial, Meads denied murdering his wife, saying he never intended to fire the gun at her. But the Crown argued Meads' evidence during the trial was an attempt to "rewrite history".

Meads earlier told the jury he decided to confront his wife with a loaded shotgun in a desperate effort to uncover "the truth" behind their marriage break-up.

He arrived at the stables and found his wife on the phone. He waited for her to finish the call, then shot her once in the throat at close range four days after she had told him that their 10-year marriage was over.

The Crown said it was a controlled shooting and therefore murder, rather than manslaughter.