Alleged 'mastermind' 'fled country after man was tortured to death'

THE alleged 'mastermind' of a plot to rob a man which ended in him being 'tortured to death' fled to South America in the aftermath of the attack, a trial has heard.

- BY ANDREW BARDSLEY

John Belfield, 31, denies conspiring to rob and murder Thomas Campbell, and is standing trial.

Mr Campbell, 38, was found naked in his hallway by neighbours the following morning after he had been 'pounced upon' by three men at the front door of his home in Mossley, Tameside, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Belfield, who was described as being the 'mastermind' of the attack, had 'motivation' for planning to rob Mr Campbell. Jurors were told that Mr Belfield was allegedly seeking 'items of value' from Mr Campbell's home.

They also heard that Mr Campbell was in a relationship with Mr Belfield's ex-girlfriend, and that Mr Belfield had displayed 'hostility' towards the pair.

The jury was told that three people were previously convicted in connection with Mr Campbell's death following a trial in 2023.

Coleen Campbell, Mr Campbell's ex-wife, was found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob. The couple, who had two children together, had divorced in 2019.