Wellington, Feb 4 NZPA - Stephen Hudson and his supporters continued to loudly protest his innocence as he was being sentenced in the High Court at Wellington today for murdering Palmerston North man Nicholas Pike.

Mr Pike, 22, disappeared in March 2002 when he went into isolated country off the Desert Road with Hudson, who was his boss in the drug trade.

At the time, Hudson was on the run from the police for a violent attack and drug offences. He was arrested two months later.

Mr Pike's body has never been found.

In November, Hudson, now 39-years-old, was found guilty by a jury of his murder.

Justice Ronald Young this morning sentenced Hudson to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 16 years.

During Justice Young's sentencing Hudson called out from the dock the result was "rubbish".

"This is the New Zealand justice system for you -- $50,000 gets you a conviction."

He also accused witnesses of testifying against him during his trial of perjury and the court system of prejudice.

Justice Young warned Hudson he would be removed from the courtroom if he continued with his outbursts.

Hudson's supporters also called out to Justice Young they hadn't lied in their testimony that Hudson was with them on the day of the murder.

Outside court, Hudson's aunt Vickie (crrct) Morgan told reporters she was convinced of her nephew's innocence.

"We can't understand how it's gone so badly. There's no evidence, there's no witnesses."

Another supporter said the situation was a "nightmare".

"(Mr Pike's) probably still alive somewhere."

Crown lawyer Ben Vanderkolk told the court today Mr Pike's killing was "execution style ... in callous circumstances by a callous person".

The murder had had an "incalculable and indescribable" affect on Mr Pike's family, he said.

"The fear would have been nothing short of intense prior to (Mr Pike's) execution."

He said Hudson was "psychopathic" and was a serious danger to the public.

Defence lawyer Mike Antunovic pointed to Hudson maintaining his innocence.

"In his words 'I did not kill Nick'."

He said as a foster child Hudson had an extremely disadvantaged upbringing, which would have had an influence on his lifestyle.

Justice Young said Hudson murdered Mr Pike because he thought he would lead police to him, and later returned to move or bury the body.

"Sadly Mr and Mrs Pike cannot bury their son. They have suffered for years not knowing the fate of their son.

"The unknown details of his death will always haunt them," he said.

Hudson had shown no remorse for his actions and he posed a serious danger to the community, he added.

Justice Young stressed the 16 years was a minimum sentence and the parole board would have to think very carefully before releasing him at that time.

After sentencing Mr Pike's mother Evelyn said she was satisfied with the sentence.

"Although he will live with this easier than us. We will live with this for the rest of our lives."

Mrs Pike said she hoped Hudson suffered in jail.

"I really hope he has a terrible time."

She did not expect Hudson would ever reveal the location of her son's body.

"I only hope someday someone will accidentally come across him."

Mr Pike's father Gregory said a memorial might be placed near the area where his son was killed.

"It's a beautiful spot," he said.

Detective Sergeant David Clifford, who headed the investigation, said he was hopeful one day they would be able to return Mr Pike's body to his family.

"We'll continue to make appeals until he is brought home."

He said today's sentencing was a good result for the Pike family.

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