Leigh Matthew Frederick Beer : “Emma Field Kills Partner: Beer Guilty of Murder”

1. Leigh Beer convicted of killing Emma Field
2. Emma Field murder: Partner Leigh Beer convicted.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

A jury has reached a verdict in the case of New Plymouth resident Leigh Matthew Frederick Beer, determining that he is not the bumbling hero he claimed to be, but rather a calculated killer. The trial, which spanned four weeks, concluded with Beer being found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, 21-year-old Emma Field.

In addition to the murder charge, Beer was also convicted of arson and assault with intent to injure, the latter stemming from an altercation with a man who attempted to help during the fire at their shared flat.

Emma Field was likely still alive but unconscious when the fire engulfed their flat on Devon Street West. Beer, who appeared indifferent during the trial, showed little emotion upon hearing the verdict.

Surrounded by his family in the courtroom, Beer’s loved ones were visibly distraught, as were friends and family of Emma Field, many of whom wore hoodies bearing the message “Justice for Emma”. Following the verdict, purple balloons were released in Emma’s memory outside the courthouse.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gerard Bouterey expressed sympathy for both families involved, acknowledging that in cases like these, there are no winners. Beer’s family faces the prospect of him being incarcerated, while Emma Field’s family continues to grieve her loss.

Reflecting on the investigation, Bouterey highlighted the challenges of gathering evidence in fire-related cases, especially when they are largely circumstantial. He emphasised the importance of thorough investigation and presenting all available evidence to the court.

The jury had to carefully consider the circumstantial evidence presented in the case, including Beer’s actions leading up to the fire. CCTV footage captured Beer returning to the flat alone after an altercation with friends, fuelled by alcohol and anger.

He proceeded to set fire to the mattress where Emma Field lay, before attempting to extinguish the blaze in a seemingly staged manner. The Crown argued that Beer’s actions were deliberate, pointing to the presence of bloodied lighters as incriminating evidence.

Despite Beer’s defence suggesting an alternative perpetrator, the jury rejected this theory, concluding that Beer was responsible for the tragic events that led to Emma Field’s death.

Prior Offending Revealed

Following the trial, details of Beer’s previous violent offences were made public. In 2013, he was sentenced to two years in prison for a series of violent incidents, including assaulting his young son, attacking a drinking companion with a glass, and assaulting a police officer.

Alcohol was cited as a common factor in Beer’s prior offences, and the judge issued a strike warning against him. Beer is set to be sentenced for Emma Field’s murder in September.

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Emma Field killing partner Leigh Beer found guilty of murder
Emma Field killing Leigh Beer found guilty of murder.