John Belfield GUILTY of murder after 'torturing love rival Thomas Campbell to death'

A drug dealer who masterminded the murder of a love rival who was 'tortured to death' in his own home in Manchester has today been convicted of murder.

John Belfield, 31, recruited a ruthless team to help him kill Thomas Campbell after he started a relationship with Demi-Lee Driver, his killer's ex-partner. The jury in the trial had heard how he was accused of finding 'mocking' messages about Thomas Campbell's death 'hilarious'.

Belfield denied being one of three people who 'pounced' on Mr Campbell outside his home in Mossley, Tameside on July 2, 2022 before the 38-year-old was attacked and 'tortured to death' for over two hours. The victim was discovered wearing only socks and bound by duct tape at the ankles.

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It was found that Mr Campbell had suffered 61 injuries consistent with "restraint" and "asphyxia". The injuries to Mr Campbell’s head and neck were consistent with a "sustained blunt sharp force physical assault" and there was evidence of 'burning' to his thigh and buttocks caused by a "hot liquid such as hot water". He also had a "gaping stab wound" to his right upper arm which would have bled "extensively".

Belfield pleaded not guilty to murder and conspiracy to rob Mr Campbell. However, Mr Justice Garnham told Belfield: "You have been found guilty of murder. The result of that is that I am bound by law to impose on you a sentence of life imprisonment."

Belfield showed no emotion as the verdict was read out. The judge said he will pass sentence on him tomorrow.

There was a brief outburst from the public gallery, with the judge warning members of the public that they could be held in contempt in court. While screams and whoops could be heard from outside in the corridors of the courtroom, reports Manchester Evening News.

Wendy Logan, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said following the verdict: “John Belfield was responsible for leading a meticulously planned attack to kill Thomas Campbell. Evidence presented by the prosecution made it clear that Belfield had orchestrated this attack and left no stone unturned to ensure it would be successful including organising surveillance of Campbell’s every move and even conducting dress rehearsals for their plans.

"Belfield then took extreme steps to evade justice by removing his fingerprints and DNA from the scene of the crime and fleeing on a plane to Suriname in South America – a country where he had no previous connections. Despite the 4,500-mile distance, Belfield remained in constant contact with his co-conspirators during their trial, even offering them advise over text message about their trial strategy.

"My thoughts are with the loved ones of Thomas Campbell and I hope that today’s verdict will help them feel some sense of justice knowing Belfield will join his co-conspirators behind bars."

Mr Campbell's ex-wife, Coleen Campbell, Reece Steven and Stephen Cleworth were previously convicted in connection with his death in a separate trial in 2023. Coleen Campbell and Cleworth were convicted of manslaughter, while Steven was found guilty of murder.

The trio were also found guilty of conspiracy to rob. Colleen Campbell had given details to Belfield about her ex-husband’s movements, which included relaying information given from her children.

Greater Manchester Police's Detective Sergeant Paul Davies, the lead officer in the case, said: "I wanted to get him back and see him in court, not over there [in Suriname]. I wanted him to be brought back here and face justice."

He added: "All the while, you've the family who you're speaking to, who knew he was in custody [in Suriname]. The [Campbell] family were brilliant. They've been so dignified throughout this and they've let us get on with our job and been very supportive. It has been really tough for them."