The parents of a man tortured and murdered fear his ex-wife who conspired with the culprits could soon be released. Thomas Campbell was ambushed at his front door nearly four years ago, tortured and murdered. His ex-wife and mother of his two children, Coleen Campbell, conspired with other criminals and passed on key information about his movements.
The target was money, jewellery and valuables at his property in Mossley, Tameside. A judge described it as a 'robbery of a drug dealer by other drug dealers'. Coleen Campbell and three other men were prosecuted for their roles. She was not present at the time of the attack and was convicted of manslaughter.
Sentences handed down
John Belfield, the ringleader, and Reece Steven were found guilty of murder and handed life sentences with a minimum of 37 years. Stephen Cleworth, involved in the build-up but not at the attack, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to life with at least 12 years. All four were also convicted of conspiring to rob Thomas Campbell.
Evidence showed Coleen began speaking with Belfield and met him before the attack. Thomas was seeing an ex of Belfield's at the time. Together, Coleen and Belfield formed an alliance that led to the murder.
Early release fears
About three-and-a-half years into her 13-year sentence, Thomas Campbell's family now fear she could soon be considered for early release. Coleen has sent cards to her children, claiming she will soon be allowed home leave. The family also claims they have been told Coleen may be assessed for early release as soon as September as part of the Government's early release scheme for prisoners.
When sentenced at Bolton Crown Court in February 2023, Coleen was told she would serve two-thirds of her term, about eight-and-a-half years, with expected release in 2031. But under Government proposals, offenders convicted of manslaughter, rape and other sexual offences who would ordinarily serve two-thirds would instead serve half behind bars. The Government argues the change is necessary to avoid a crisis for the criminal justice system, with prisons almost reaching full capacity.
Family's anger
Thomas's parents, Terry and Lynn, spoke of their anger. Terry said: "We found this information out because a card has been sent from Coleen to the children, and in the card it says 'I'm going to be getting home leave, I'm working all week'." Lynn added: "It makes a mockery of what the judge gives people."
Terry said the family were dismayed to receive such information through informal channels. Lynn said she was told Coleen is being assessed as a candidate for potential early release. The Campbells do not feel victims' opinions are being listened to. Terry said: "The way it's just carte blanche, nobody's taking in the personal facts, and the fact that she conspired to do it. There were other conspirators who have got long, long sentences, which they deserve. She deserved the sentence she got, even though it was not a lot."
Lynn added: "She should have got the same as them, because without her it wouldn't have happened." Terry said the family were supported through the court cases, but now says: "It has all fell away. We are just left here having to deal with the situation."
They say the only good that has come out is that the children are being brought up by the Campbell family. Speaking of the impact of losing his son, Terry said: "It's excruciating. We had just settled down. You'll never come to terms with it. But we had just settled into a lull, we knew it was coming. And then it just started again. Going through it once was enough. To go through it twice. I haven't got the words to describe it really."
Lynn added: "It doesn't go away. It's there every day from the minute you wake up." Speaking of the early release proposals, Lynn added: "Where's the thought for the victim's families? There is none."
Government response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This government is fixing the prison crisis it inherited – building 14,000 more prison places and reforming sentencing so we can always lock up dangerous criminals. Without this decisive action, prisons will run out of space entirely as early as November and we will be unable to lock up serious offenders at all.
"Public safety and supporting victims is our top priority. Offenders who a judge has deemed the most dangerous are automatically blocked from early release, and prisoners who behave badly while behind bars face being locked up for longer. We are also launching the biggest expansion of tagging in history, rolling out tough new restriction zones to block offender movements, banning offenders from driving, pubs and events such as football matches, while expanding the chemical castration pilot to 20 prisons – pulling every level possible to protect the public and cut crime."
