Overview:
Seven members of this gang were found guilty of violent disorder and murder and one member of manslaughter of a 16 year old boy John Soyoye. This was a complex investigation of joint responsibility, bad character and ‘gang related’ evidence.
Background:
John Soyoye was involved in a fight with a member from a rival gang which was the precursor to his murder.
Investigation:
The CCTV evidence was crucial in proving the movements of each of the offending group consisting of 13 males, pre and post murder (tracking to and from home addresses), who were armed with knives, machetes, and rods or poles, some of the gang needed to use a taxi post murder to convey them to hospital as one of the group was injured, leaving blood stained clothing. Not only CCTV but mobile phone recordings proved invaluable to understand the movements of not only John but the offending group including their actions.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, to establish all eight gang members were guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Outcome:
Seven defendants were convicted of murder, one defendant of manslaughter, all of violent disorder, to a total of 146 years in prison. Five gang members fled the country post murder and are still awaiting trial.
In a recent development, John Belfield, born on April 13, 1994, and with no fixed abode, has been formally charged with a string of serious offenses, including murder, conspiracy to murder, manslaughter, conspiracy to rob, and conspiracy to supply class A drugs. The charges stem from an extensive investigation conducted by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The charges against Belfield follow the tragic death of Thomas Campbell, aged 38, who was found deceased at his residence on Riverside in Mossley. The discovery was made at approximately 10:30 am on Sunday, July 3, 2022. Despite the prompt response of emergency services, Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting a swift initiation of a murder investigation by GMP.
This recent development comes after three individuals were previously convicted and sentenced for their involvement in Campbell's death. Reece Steven, 29, of Poplar Street, Middleton, was found guilty of murder with conspiracy to rob and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 37 years. Similarly, Steven Cleworth, 38, of Charles Street, Heywood, was convicted of manslaughter with conspiracy to rob and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years. Coleen Campbell, 38, of Bamford Street, Manchester, was found guilty of manslaughter with conspiracy to rob and was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with a requirement to serve at least two-thirds of the term.
Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP's Major Incident Team commended the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and Suriname law enforcement, as well as GMP's Specialist Operations and Force Critical Wanted Unit, in apprehending Belfield. Hopkinson emphasized the ongoing dedication of detectives working tirelessly on the case to ensure justice for Thomas Campbell's family.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact GMP at 0161 856 6377 or Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111. Additionally, information can be submitted online through GMP's LiveChat service or via 101.
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Overview:
Stephen Seddon was convicted of the murder of both his parents in a scheme to secure their life insurance money.
Background:
Seddon meticulously planned and executed the murders of his parents, staging the incidents to appear as accidents or suicides.
Investigation:
Investigators uncovered evidence of Seddon's financial motives, including suspicious transactions and changes to his parents' insurance policies. The CCTV evidence enabled the tracking of Seddon and the vehicle used to travel from the North East to Manchester to disprove his alibi. His phone and personnel vehicle was left at home purporting Seddon to be at home at the time of the murders, the CCTV evidence proved this to be completely incorrect. To highlight the extent of the CCTV trawl each Motorway Services (M62/A1(M) were visited to determine if Seddon used these locations to further evidence the clothing worn by him and usage of the vehicle used.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented a compelling case, highlighting Seddon's financial troubles and motive for committing the murders.
Outcome:
Stephen Seddon was found guilty of double murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, serving justice for his heinous crimes against his own family.
Overview:
Dale Cregan was convicted of four murders, including the tragic execution of Greater Manchester Police Officers Nicola and Fiona.
Background:
Cregan orchestrated a series of violent attacks, targeting individuals involved in a longstanding feud. His actions culminated in the cold-blooded murder of two police officers.
Investigation:
The investigation into Cregan's crimes involved extensive forensic analysis, witness testimonies, CCTV recognition evidence, including the movements of the suspect vehicles and its occupants pre and post murders, this identified (along with witness testimony) a dump site of the suspect clothing used in the commission of the offences and the collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking Cregan to the murders, including CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and witness statements.
Outcome:
Following a high-profile trial, Dale Cregan was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Overview:
Mark Fellows, also known as 'Ice man', was described as the ‘hitman’ and convicted of two murders, including those of Paul Massey and John Kinsella.
Background:
Fellowes was involved in organised crime and targeted individuals perceived as threats to his criminal activities.
Investigation:
Law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough investigation into the murders, gathering evidence linking Mark Fellows to the crimes. CCTV recovered across both Murders provided crucial evidence, not only to evidence the reconnaissance completed by Fellows in the planning and preparation of the murder of Paul Massey, in addition to prove Fellows changed his own clothing and the pedal bikes appearance (using coloured tape to mask the original colour of the bike frame), post murder of John Kinsella, this recognition evidence was vital in the prosecution case.
Prosecution:
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, to establish Fellowes' guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Outcome:
Mark 'Ice man' Fellowes was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life imprisonment, marking the end of his reign of terror and bringing closure to the victims' families.
