Almost four years ago, a smart new-build residential estate in Mossley, Tameside, became the scene of a horrific act of savagery. Thomas Campbell was ambushed at his front door, facilitated by his treacherous ex-wife, Coleen Campbell, who had conspired with other criminals and passed on key information about his movements. Their target was money, jewellery, and any valuables they could get their hands on. As a judge later said, this was a 'robbery of a drug dealer by other drug dealers', a sophisticated and highly organised crime with murderous results.
Convictions and Sentences
Coleen Campbell and three other men were prosecuted for their roles in the plot. She was not present at the time of the attack but was found guilty of manslaughter. John Belfield, the ringleader, and Reece Steven were found guilty of murder. Stephen Cleworth, involved in the build-up, was convicted of manslaughter. All four were convicted of conspiring to rob Thomas Campbell. Belfield and Steven were handed life sentences with a minimum of 37 years. Cleworth was also given a life sentence, to serve at least 12 years. Coleen Campbell was sentenced to 13 years, with an expected release in 2031 after serving two-thirds.
Early Release Concerns
Just over four years on, Thomas Campbell's family fear that his ex-wife could soon be considered for early release under Government proposals. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, they revealed that Coleen has sent cards to the children she shares with Thomas, claiming she will soon be allowed home leave. The family also claim they have been told that Coleen may be assessed for early release as soon as September under the Government's early release scheme for prisoners. Under the proposals, offenders convicted of manslaughter, rape, and other sexual offences would serve half their sentence locked up instead of two-thirds, to avoid a prison capacity crisis.
Family's Anger and Grief
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." The family feel victims' opinions are not 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." Lynn said: "She should have got the same as them, because without her it wouldn't have happened."
Ongoing Emotional Turmoil
The family have written to their MP, Lucy Powell, arguing that such changes should not apply retrospectively. Lynn did not attend the trials, unable to face the horror of what her son endured. Terry said: "It's excruciating. We had just settled down. You'll never come to terms with it." He added: "Every night I go to bed, I can't go straight to sleep. I have to count in my head, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, so I can just not think about it." Lynn said: "You can't show your emotions, can you? Because then everybody else just starts. It's just awful."
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."
