David Pye Goes to Prison for Murder

May 13, 2026, 11:05
AustraliaOther

Introduction

A court in Western Australia gave David Pye a life sentence. He planned the murder of Nick Martin in 2020.

Main Body

David Pye paid a man named Benjamin Luke Johnston $100,000. He told Johnston to kill Nick Martin. Johnston used a big gun from far away. He shot and killed Nick Martin. He also hurt another person. David Pye said he did not do it. But the judge did not believe him. The judge said Pye was very dangerous.

Conclusion

David Pye must stay in prison for at least 34 years.

Learning

πŸ›‘ The 'Past' Pattern

Look at these words from the story:

  • gave
  • planned
  • paid
  • told
  • used
  • shot
  • said

What is happening? These words tell us about things that are finished. They are not happening now; they happened in 2020.

The Simple Change Most words just need -ed at the end to move to the past: plan β†’ planned use β†’ used

The Tricky Ones Some words change completely. You must memorize these: give β†’ gave pay β†’ paid tell β†’ told say β†’ said

Quick Rule: If you see these forms, the story is a memory or a report of a past event.

Vocabulary Learning

court (n.)
A place where legal cases are heard.
Example:The court decided to give him a life sentence.
sentence (n.)
A punishment given by a court.
Example:He received a life sentence for the crime.
murder (n.)
The act of killing someone intentionally.
Example:He was accused of murder.
judge (n.)
A person who decides legal cases.
Example:The judge did not believe his story.
dangerous (adj.)
Likely to cause harm or injury.
Example:The judge said he was very dangerous.
prison (n.)
A place where people are kept after being convicted.
Example:He must stay in prison for at least 34 years.