Murder Trial Opens for Manchester Man Found Bound, Tortured

Thomas Campbell, 38, was brutally murdered in a carefully planned attack at his home in Mossley, Greater Manchester, in July 2022. His body was found naked, with his ankles bound tightly with duct tape, burns consistent with hot liquid, and multiple severe injuries including sharp force wounds, blunt force trauma, and pressure to the neck. The prosecution alleges that John Belfield, 31, the ex-boyfriend of Campbell's partner, masterminded the attack, motivated by jealousy and the desire to rob Campbell, with evidence showing Belfield placed a tracking device on Campbell's car and conducted surveillance. Belfield denies being present and the charges of murder and conspiracy to rob. Campbell's ex-wife, Coleen Campbell, was previously convicted and sentenced for manslaughter after passing on information about Campbell's movements to Belfield, including details from their children, and another man involved, Reece Steven, was convicted of murder. The identity of a third attacker remains unknown, and the case is ongoing at Manchester Crown Court.