A man who was involved in the ambush, torture, and murder of a father of two has been denied his attempt to appeal against his 37-year prison sentence. Reece Steven, along with two others, was convicted in connection with the killing of Thomas Campbell in Mossley, Tameside, in July 2022. The victim, Thomas Campbell, aged 38, was subjected to a horrific attack in his own residence by armed individuals in what was described as a drug-related robbery. During the ordeal, he was bound, stabbed, and assaulted over a span of two hours while the assailants searched his home for valuables, money, or drugs. Mr. Campbell, a known drug dealer with ties to organised crime, suffered at least 61 distinct injuries as a result of the attack.
Reece Steven, aged 29 at the time, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to rob following a trial at Bolton Crown Court in February 2023. His co-defendant in the case, Coleen Campbell, ex-wife of the victim, received a 13-year prison term for manslaughter. The third individual involved, Stephen Cleworth, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 12 years after being convicted of manslaughter. Although Cleworth was not physically present during the murder due to his absence at a swingers club, the court deemed him to have played a significant role in the events leading up to the crime. Despite arguments from his barrister that Cleworth had a lesser role in the conspiracy and that there was no intent to kill, the Appeal Court upheld the original sentencing.
The judges presiding over the appeal noted that the trial judge had already determined that there was no intention to kill. They highlighted the severe suffering inflicted on the victim during the prolonged torture he endured before his death. Although Cleworth was not identified as the mastermind behind the plot, his extensive criminal record and central role in the conspiracy were taken into account during sentencing. The court ruled that the 37-year jail term was a fitting punishment considering the brutal nature of the crime and the agony inflicted on the victim. The appeal was ultimately dismissed by the judges, who deemed the sentence to be appropriate given the circumstances of the case.
The tragic incident shed light on the dangers associated with criminal activities and the grave consequences that can result from such actions. The brutal murder of Thomas Campbell served as a stark reminder of the violence and mayhem that can ensue from illicit dealings within organised crime networks. The denial of Reece Steven’s appeal signifies a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable for their actions. The severity of the crime and the suffering endured by the victim were key factors in the court’s decision to maintain the original sentencing of the individuals involved.
The court’s ruling serves as a beacon of hope for the pursuit of justice and closure for the loved ones of the victim. It sends a strong message that acts of violence and cruelty will not go unpunished, and that perpetrators will be brought to justice to face the consequences of their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes are held accountable for their actions. The denial of the appeal reaffirms the court’s commitment to serving justice and standing firm against acts of violence and brutality within society.