Life sentence for man who killed cat lover

Published: 6:47AM Thursday December 03, 2009 Source: NZPA/ONE News

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The man who murdered Christchurch cat protection worker Kerry Leigh Downey has been sentenced to life in prison with a 13-year minimum parole period.

Ashley Donald Peach, 42, was arrested after Downey disappeared following a visit to his home to pick up an unwanted cat on August 18 last year.

Downey visited his Riccarton flat one night after work, thinking she was responding to a cat rescue call out.

Her body was found several days later in the Port Hills area.

Peach was to stand trial over the death but changed his plea just days before that was due to start.

It can now also be revealed that Ashley Peach has more than 100 previous convictions - they include sexual violation, assault on a female and indecent assault.

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