Man jailed for 16 years over murder of mother

David Blake was sentenced at the High Court in New Plymouth. Photo / File

A Stratford man who admitted to killing his mother will spend at least 16 years in jail.

David Blake has been sentenced at the High Court in New Plymouth today to life imprisonment for the murder of Gwen Blake in January.

He received a non-parole period of 16 years.

The public gallery was full and many were in tears as two of Gwen Blake's grandchildren read their victim impact statements.

During proceedings, Justice Rebecca Ellis asked that Blake be removed from court during the victim impact statements for fear he might turn violent.

Defence lawyer Paul Keegan told the court Blake was remorseful and had said previously that he deserves everything he gets.

He told police it was wrong and he wasn't going to try and wriggle out of it, Mr Keegan said.

The reason for the murder is still unknown as Blake maintains he doesn't remember the act itself.