Thomas Campbell murder trial: All the evidence heard so far as defence case begins at trial of man allegedly 'tortured to death'
The defence evidence began in the trial of three people accused of the murder of Thomas Campbell as the case entered a third week. A jury of seven men and five women have been listening to evidence for 14 days as Mr Campbell's ex-wife Coleen Campbell, Stephen Cleworth, and Reece Steven stand trial at Bolton Crown Court.
The 'officer in the case', DS Paul Davies, was also cross-examined by defence barristers. As part of the cross-examination by Coleen Campbell's barrister, Nick Johnson KC, jurors heard details of several Instagram messages. On June 28, Mr Belfield told the woman: "You will never have a boyfriend you will have to move country give it a week and you will see why and what happens when you take the pi**.” She replied: "How have I took the pi** seriously I am not with you. You sound like an absolute idiot. Do anything to me and you will be sorry, believe me."
Prosecutor Nicholas de la Poer KC then closed the Crown's case. Coleen Campbell then made her way to the witness box to give evidence in her defence. She added that she felt 'stupid' and 'gullible'. Ms Campbell denied she would have passed on details about her ex if she believed he was in 'danger'. Jurors have heard that the pair appeared in court jointly charged with money laundering after police raided their home in Clayton in 2015. In 2019, Mr Campbell was jailed for two years and Ms Campbell received a suspended prison sentence.
She claimed Mr Campbell was also friends with the woman's partner. "Did you confront him?," Mr Johnson asked. Jurors were told that between September 2020 and January last year, there were reports of 'numerous allegations of violence and harassment' committed by Mr Campbell on Ms Campbell, and of 'numerous allegations of violence and harassment' by Ms Campbell on Mr Campbell. But the allegations did not lead to convictions because both parties did not support a prosecution.
She said that by June last year, after Mr Campbell had returned to the UK, their relationship had improved and they had agreed times when he could visit and look after their children. "I didn't have any problems with him, everything was fine," she said. "He didn't know what was going on," she said. "He had heard the rumours, he had confronted her. She was denying it. He didn't know what to believe. I felt sorry for him. It reminded me a bit of when me and Thomas went through it."
Asked about a phone call the pair shared two hours before Mr Campbell was ambushed, Ms Campbell said they were having 'general chit chat' and he was calling his daughter's mother a 'crack head'. She said she heard rumours the following day that Mr Campbell had been shot. That afternoon police officers attended her home to tell her that her former husband has been found dead.
"It's just so sad, and the thought of him being there alone." As Mr Johnson concluded his questioning, Ms Campbell added: "I would never ever knowingly give information thinking that someone was going to hurt him, ever." "Each time you told that lie, did you hope to get away with it?," prosecutor Nicholas de la Poer KC asked Ms Campbell.
She replied: "Probably." Jurors have heard that Ms Campbell left an iPhone which she'd used to contact Mr Belfield with a friend. She has maintained she only passed on information to Mr Belfield to help him discover whether his ex-girlfriend was in a relationship with Mr Campbell. Ms Campbell has claimed she was being 'manipulated' by Mr Belfield, who she said later revealed he planned to steal drugs from her former husband.
"Because I was scared for my mum and kids," Ms Campbell replied. "I knew the repercussions off Tom's family and friends." "I was never in an agreement to rob Thomas," she replied. "You played your part providing information intending that Thomas Campbell would be at least really seriously hurt," the prosecutor claimed.
"He just said there's some guy who's some big drug dealer or something," Mr Cleworth said. "That he has some drugs buried on some field near his house. Ms Weekes asked him: "Did he mention hurting, attacking or wounding the man you were going to steal from?" "No, there was no need to, was there," Mr Cleworth replied.
"He said to me he is going to try and sleep with her, saying she was fit and that." Mr Cleworth admitted he placed a tracker on Mr Campbell's car on June 27 while the deceased was picking up his daughter from school. Mr Cleworth said he and Mr Belfield returned to the street on June 29 and spent about three hours searching the field. He said they were looking for 'disturbed ground' to indicate where digging may have taken place recently.
Mr Cleworth was repeatedly asked by his lawyer to speak more slowly as he answered questions. He said: "I was branded a murderer and a robber for seven or eight months. I have been trying to get my words out. F****** hell, it's my chance to say it. I was waiting for months and months for this."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thomas Campbell murder accused pictured in swingers club at time of 'torture'Thomas Campbell murder accused pictured in swingers club at time dad was 'tortured to death'
Read more »
Coleen Rooney pays sweet tribute to her late sister's birthdayCOLEEN Rooney has paid tribute to her little sister on what would’ve been her 24th birthday Rosie sadly died aged 14 in 2013 after a lifelong battle with the rare brain disorder Rett syndrome…
Read more »
Bathurst 12 Hour: Campbell Porsche beats Mercedes armada in Practice 5Porsche young gun Matt Campbell topped the fifth practice session for the Bathurst 12 Hour in the 912 Manthey EMA 911 GT3R on Saturday, his late flyer thwarting a Mercedes 1-2-3.
Read more »
Thomas Frank sends clear warning to Brentford stars who 'need to perform well' vs SouthamptonBrentford boss Thomas Frank has stressed that his players cannot take anything for granted in the Premier League ahead of their game versus Southampton.
Read more »
Tributes after death of Man City honorary president Tudor ThomasThe club paid tribute to his steadfast commitment over the years to City's academy set up and his tireless fundraising
Read more »