Nomad Senior Member pleads guilty over fatal Taihape Crash that killed 3 riders #gridsparta #bikies

#gridsparta #bikies #nomad #n77n Garth Thompson, 51, a senior member of the Nomads MC, has admitted causing a fatal crash near Taihape on December 7, 2024. Police say Thompson, high on methamphetamine, drove his ute head-on into four motorcyclists, killing Lesley Brooks, 46, Luke Shaw, 24, and Jacob “Pudding” Coady, 24. Survivor Jeremy Capper, 48, lost an arm and a leg in the collision. Capper, who described Thompson as a “scumbag” and “oxygen thief,” recalled the horrific crash, saying he still feels guilt that his mates never made it home. Thompson has a long criminal history, including aggravated robberies in the 1990s linked to the violent death of Foxton doctor Howard Teppett, as well as a 2012 conviction for supplying methamphetamine. Appearing via video link in the Whanganui District Court on September 5, 2025, Thompson pleaded guilty to all charges of driving under the influence of meth and causing death and injury. He was remanded in custody until sentencing on January 15, 2026. Capper welcomed the guilty plea but said the justice system had failed, arguing Thompson should face manslaughter or even murder charges. The court is expected to weigh both the circumstances of the crash and Thompson’s criminal past at sentencing. Follow Grid Sparta on Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/GridSparta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GridSparta Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/GridSparta Reditt: https://www.reddit.com/r/Gridsparta