A jury in the High Court at New Plymouth has delivered unanimous guilty verdicts against two men for the murder and arson of a terminally ill man. The courtroom erupted in cheers and applause from the public gallery as the fate of Stefan Hannon-McGinn and Ethan Howe was sealed.
Emotional Courtroom Scenes
Family and friends of the victim, 55-year-old Sidney Ross Bridson, reacted with shouts of “yeah” and “woo hoo” as the verdicts were read. The atmosphere shifted from celebration to tears as supporters embraced one another.
The defendants, Hannon-McGinn, 28, and Howe, 27, remained motionless and flushed during the proceedings. Before being remanded into custody, Howe told his mother in the gallery, “Love you, Mum.”
Details of the Attack
The court heard that in the early hours of October 11, 2023, Bridson was shot in the stomach on the deck of his home in Waitaanga, east of Taranaki. Following the shooting, his body was dragged inside and the property was set on fire.
The Crown argued that the killing was intentional and carried out in cold blood. The jury was informed that the pair acted at the request of Mathew David Hannon.
The ‘Wild West’ Conflict
The murder stemmed from a feud between neighbors Mathew David Hannon and Sidney Ross Bridson. Witnesses described the local area as the “Wild West,” noting that the two men clashed over several issues, including hunting.
Contrasting Defense Claims
Hannon-McGinn admitted to the fatal shooting but argued he acted in self-defence. His lawyers claimed he believed Bridson had reached for a gun, though it was later revealed the object was a stick, leading Hannon-McGinn to believe it was a “kill or be killed” situation.
Ethan Howe denied both murder and arson charges. His legal team maintained that he was unaware Hannon-McGinn intended to shoot Bridson and that he fled the scene immediately after the shooting occurred.
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Both men have been remanded into custody following their convictions. They are scheduled to appear for sentencing on September 1, where a judge could determine their final prison terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in this case?
The victim was 55-year-old Sidney Ross Bridson, a resident of Waitaanga who was terminally ill with cancer.
What were the specific charges against the defendants?
Stefan Hannon-McGinn and Ethan Howe were both found guilty of murder and arson.
What role did Mathew David Hannon play?
Mathew David Hannon, the father of Stefan Hannon-McGinn, was found to have engineered the death of his neighbor, Sidney Ross Bridson, and was jailed earlier this year for manslaughter.
How should the legal system balance claims of self-defense against evidence of pre-planned violence?
