The family of murdered dad Thomas Campbell say they finally have 'justice' for their son after three people, including his ex-wife, were jailed for their roles in his savage killing. The 38-year-old was tortured to death in his own home after he was ambushed on his doorstep by three armed men, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Mr Campbell, who was a convicted drug dealer, was tied up, stabbed and beaten for hours while his killers raided his home in search of valuables, cash and drugs. The dad-of-two is understood to have played an essential role in an organised crime gang and was found dead in his hallway the next morning, wearing just a pair of socks, by a horrified neighbour.
The victim's family spoke of their 'unimaginable pain' in court after Mr Campbell's ex-wife Coleen Campbell 'consoled' them and told everyone 'how much she still loved him' after his death, despite knowing all along 'she played a part in the plot that cost Thomas his life'. His heartbroken loved ones say he will be 'sadly missed' and that their 'family circle will never be the same again'.
Coleen Campbell, who was married to Thomas for a decade, was handed a 13 year prison sentence which she will serve two-thirds of in jail after being found guilty of manslaughter. She provided key information about her ex-husband's whereabouts and movements to John Belfield, 28, who was the alleged 'mastermind' behind the attack.
Belfield, from Openshaw, is currently on the run and is wanted by police on suspicion of murder. In court yesterday, Reece Steven, who was one of the three attackers in Mr Campbell's home in Tameside, Mossley was found guilty of murder and handed a life sentence of which he must serve at least 37 years.
The third defendant to be jailed was 38-year-old Stephen Cleworth, who was found guilty of manslaughter and handed a life sentence in prison of which he must serve for a minimum of 12 years. He was not at the scene of the killing as he was on a 'bender' at a swingers club but he played a key role in the build up and preparations of the attack.
Ms Campbell, of Bamford Street, Clayton, Cleworth, of Charles Street, Heywood, and Steven, of Poplar Street, Middleton, were all also found guilty of conspiracy to rob. Ms Campbell is said to have formed an alliance with John Belfield against Mr Campbell, who at the time of his death was in a relationship with Belfield's ex-girlfriend.
As Coleen Campbell was sentenced, a man in the public gallery shouted 'f****** slag' as Mr Justice Julian Goose warned: "If I hear another word from the public gallery I will clear it instantly". The killers began plotting Mr Campbell's death a week before it took place on June 25 when Belfield messaged Ms Campbell on Instagram.
The trial heard that the pair went from strangers to close confidants within a few days. Cleworth put on a tracking device on Mr Campbell's car and he, Steven and Belfield made trips to Mr Campbell's home in the days before his murder to work out his address.
The killers struck just after 11pm on Saturday July 2 last year. After sentencing on Wednesday afternoon, a statement was released on behalf of Mr Campbell's family.
It said: "We would like to thank the police and everyone who has been involved from start to finish in the investigation of Tom's murder. We will always be truly grateful, as we feel all verdicts against the offenders are as they should be.
"This finally brings some justice to Tom and his two children. We are also mindful that this case is far from complete, and we would ask anyone with information about John Belfield and others involved in Tom's death to please come forward and help all who love Tom get some real closure.
"Our family circle will never be the same again. Tom will be sadly missed for the rest of our lives."
During the hearing, the court also heard from Thomas' father, Terry and his brother, Daniel. The father referred to his son's killers as 'not animals but creatures' as he said 'every morning when I wake up, the first thing I think about is him alone in the house with those people'.
He continued: "When I’m awake, it’s there, and when I’m alone, it’s there. I know my family are feeling the exact same way. Thomas wasn’t perfect in the eyes of some people, he got in trouble in his life.
"That does not give anybody any right to take his life in any manner, not least the brutal and callous way it was." Daniel told the court how in the days after Thomas' death, Coleen had comforted the family despite her major involvement in his killing.
He said: "Since Thomas was taken from us, the family have been through the most difficult and emotional time. Watching my mum rocking on the sofa, unable to cope, shedding tears I can’t hope to console.
"During the days after Thomas was killed, my mum and dad’s house was a meeting place. The house was busy with the police visiting, and well-wishers were coming to pay their respects and offering to help.
"There was one visitor who we welcomed with open arms, and it has haunted us ever since. Coleen Campbell was married to Thomas for a long time.
"When she appeared at my mum and dad’s front door after the news was passed, we thought nothing of letting her in and consoling her as much as we possibly could. Throughout the days that followed up until her arrest, Coleen sat in my mum and dad’s house, surrounded by Thomas’ closest family and friends, and expressed how much she was upset.
"She shared stories about their marriage and said how much she still loved him. Every single one of my family has hugged her and tried to make her feel better, all along, Coleen knew the part she played in the plot that cost Thomas his life.
"Knowing we hugged her and spent time with her during the worst time of our lives has added an extra burden, an unimaginable pain. She has shown no remorse, in our opinion.
"She concealed her involvement and watched us all hurt."
