Christchurch man sentenced to life for murder of David Bridgwater

Wednesday 17 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 17 Dec 2025, 3:36pm

James Holder has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of David Bridgwater, who was shot in Aranui in January 2024. Holder will serve at least 11 years and nine months. Leanne Crighton was also jailed for her role in attempting to cover up the killing.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZWed 17 Dec 2025, 1:53pm

   Christchurch man James Holder sentenced to life in prison for murder (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 17 Dec 2025, 2:03pm

   Couple James Arthur Holder and Leanne Maree Crighton sentenced for their roles in Christchurch murder (opens in new tab)

3. The PressWed 17 Dec 2025, 3:36pm

   ‘I won’t ever forgive you’: Couple jailed for roles in Christchurch man’s killing (opens in new tab)

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