free webpage hit counter

Blogs

I’m a Brit who’s chuffed to have got a house in Bulgaria for £8k…but trolls say they’ve seen ‘better homes on Shameless’

A BRITISH couple are chuffed to have bought a house in Bulgaria for just £8,000.

But not only have people described the huge property as looking “rough”, but one mean troll has even claimed to have seen “better houses on the Chatsworth Estate on Shameless.” 

Couple in front of their £8000 Bulgarian house.
A British couple have bought a house in Bulgaria for £8,000
TikTok/@maxwellmydailys
£8000 Bulgarian house.
The property comes complete with a barn and a garage, but trolls have described it as looking “rough”
TikTok/@maxwellmydailys
Aerial view of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria at sunset.
Getty
Maxwell plans to take his family over to Bulgaria to renovate the house and eventually become as “self-sustainable as possible”[/caption]

Posting on social media, Maxwell, 38, and his wife Leah Jones, 29, gave viewers a close-up look outside and inside the huge property, which is in Popovo, Bulgaria. 

As he took a step inside his new pad, Maxwell was pleased and felt “very lucky” that his bargain home has UPVC doors and windows everywhere.

He showed off the “big hallway” and the “original coving” which is still in place around the lights and walls.

He described the first bedroom as being in a “good state”, as he admitted: “Seen a lot worse on the market in Bulgaria for the money.”

Maxwell, who plans to take his family over to Bulgaria to renovate the house and eventually become as “self-sustainable as possible”, recognised that despite the electrics being “half done”, he wasn’t bothered as he beamed: “But for £8k, I’ll deal with it.”

After showing off the huge bedrooms and the large kitchen space, Maxwell gave a quick glance in the bathroom, which was complete with a bath, toilet, sink and radiator.

Thrilled with the bathroom, he beamed: “We’re very lucky to get this because a lot of the other houses that we’ve seen, there was absolutely nothing – every single room needed doing.

“It’s all plumbed in, ready to go – needs a bit of love, a bit of TLC and a clean, but that’s what we’re here for.”

Not only does the property have three bedrooms, but there’s also a “massive” barn with “endless possibilities”, and a garage on the land too. 

As he showed off the outside space, which is “very overgrown” with “so much c**p everywhere”, Maxwell acknowledged: “All needs bringing back to life – I can’t wait to do that.” 

Big divide

The TikTok clip, which was recently posted online under the username @maxwellmydailys, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and amassed 1.5 million views.

Not only this, but it’s also racked up 24,700 likes, 2,339 comments and 2,760 saves. 

Moving house hacks

1. Declutter Before You Pack

Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load.

2. Create an Inventory

Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move.

3. Use Quality Packing Materials

Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move.

4. Label Everything

Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized.

5. Pack a ‘First Day’ Box

Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day.

6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup

Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place.

7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items

Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury.

8. Colour-Code Your Boxes

Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home.

But social media users were totally divided by Maxwell’s £8,000 property – while some thought he was “lucky” to get such a great deal, others described it as looking “rough.” 

One user beamed: “What a steal! It’s amazing what you can get here for a good bargain! Wish you all the best!”

A second gasped: “That is one of the best deals I have seen!!!!! LUCKY.”

Don’t mean to disappoint you, but this is too high of a price for this property. Source: I am Bulgarian

TikTok user

Whilst someone else shared: “The house is mint for that price.” 

But at the same time, one person said: “It’s rough.” 

Another added: “Seen better state houses on the Chatsworth Estate on Shameless.” 

Meanwhile, a third chimed in and wrote: “Don’t mean to disappoint you, but this is too high of a price for this property. Source: I am Bulgarian.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Read More »

I’m 50 and tried beautiful new co ord for summer night out at Dunnes Stores – and it has brilliant feature

DUNNES Stores has been sending fans into a frenzy with the latest summer releases – and there are some must-have pieces.

With summer in full swing, shoppers are stocking up on the essentials for everyday wear and their holidays.

Woman in a Savida dress from Dunnes Stores in a changing room mirror.
Monica shared a look at the new silk co-ord
Instagram/@DLmzkyxti_C
Woman modeling a Savida co-ord from Dunnes Stores.
She showed the strings for adjusting the top
Instagram/@DLmzkyxti_C
Woman in sage green top and maxi skirt.
DUNNES STORES
The co-ord costs €50 in total[/caption]

And Dunnes Stores is making this easy for fashion fans.

One shopper has taken to social media to share a look at one of her top finds of the summer season.

Instagram user Monica, who posts under the username @mon.fesa, shared a short video to the platform.

In the caption of the post, she wrote: “Check out this outfit from Savida in all the Dunnes Stores.

“I really thought it was worth to try it, the top is so different and super cute, with a zipper on the side to make it easier to put on.

“Loved the lace trim and the adjustable bodice to make it cropped or a bit longer, great idea I have to say.

“And the skirt… Well I love silk so this is my ideal outfit, can look super cute with heels or more funky with trainers.”

In the video, she can be seen wearing a gorgeous silk co-ord, in a lovely brown colour.

She stuns in the outfit that is perfect for any summer event, from weddings to a laidback occasion.

In a caption inserted into the post, Monica noted: “What do you think of the new outfit?”

The top features a plunging v-neckline, complete with short sleeves and a lace trim along the neckline.

The sides of the top are ruched, with buttons in the centre.

Monica added: “With a lace trim top and adjustable bodice. So different.”

She shows that on either side of the top are two strings to control how loose or tight the top is.

Monica added: “Both with zippers, to make dressing easier.”

The maxi skirt features a zip up the side and has a flattering fit.

When worn together, it looks like a stunning dress that is perfect for a wedding.

ROMANTIC LOOK

Monica concluded: “I think it is such a romantic look, silky satin-like fabric.

“Where are we going tonight?”

But shoppers will have to be quick, as the top is already low in stock online.

The Savida Arti Satin Lace Top is just €25, and is sure to become a wardrobe staple for many.

Shoppers can get the top in sizes XXS to XXL – but the only sizes left in stock online are XXS to L.

But you may find your size in your local Dunnes Stores.

In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, fashion chiefs said: “Featuring delicate lace trims that frame the neckline, this smooth, satin-like top brings a romantic touch to your wardrobe.

“Adjustable ruched drawstrings allows you to customize the fit and silhouette.

MATCHING SKIRT

“Pair with the matching skirt for date nights and dinner parties; sold separately.

“Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

And the matching skirt is also just €25.

Shoppers can pick up the Savida Arti Satin Midi Skirt in sizes XXS to XXL, and all sizes are left in stock online.

In the official item description on the Dunnes Stores website, bosses said: “Crafted from a silky satin-like fabric, this elegant skirt from Savida falls to a midi length that creates a timeless silhouette.

“Featuring a comfortable elasticated waistband, pair it with the matching skirt for date nights or dinner parties; sold separately. Savida is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

In total, the co-ord costs just €50.

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

Read More »

Robbie Williams breaks silence on 90s rivals Oasis reunion tour as he sends message to Liam and Noel ahead of first gig

ROBBIE Williams has broken his silence on his famously bitter 90s rivals Oasis’ hotly anticipated reunion tour.

Singer Robbie, 51, sent a message to Liam and Noel Gallagher just hours before their first gig tonight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

Robbie Williams performing on stage.
Robbie Williams has broken his silence on his famously bitter 90s rivals Oasis’ hotly anticipated reunion tour
Alamy
Photo of Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis at a photoshoot.
Getty
Robbie’s rivalry with the Gallaghers dates back to the peak of the Britpop era[/caption]

The pop star unveiled a spoof blue plaque on Berwick Street in Soho, the site of the iconic What’s The Story Morning Glory? album cover, in tribute to the brothers’ Britpop legacy.

The unofficial sign reads: “Robbie Williams – heard it, saw it, loved it, lived it, wanted it and snorted it… That’s The Story.”

Sharing a photo of the plaque online, Robbie tagged the band and added: “GOOD LUCK TONIGHT LADS.”

He also recreated the album’s famous artwork – wearing the same red tracksuit he wore at Glastonbury in 1995, when he famously partied with the Gallaghers during Britpop’s wildest days.

That same outfit features on the cover of his upcoming album Britpop, which documents his chaotic rise during the ’90s.

Robbie’s rivalry with the Gallaghers dates back to the peak of the Britpop era, when Noel famously dismissed him as “the fat dancer from Take That”.

Robbie later challenged Liam to a £100,000 boxing match live on stage at the 2000 BRIT Awards.

Despite that, he’s been vocal in recent years about his admiration for the band.

Speaking in 2023, he said: “I don’t think anyone could compete with that – including Taylor Swift, who’s the biggest artist on this planet.

“So no, it’s not a competition, even though it bloody is.”

Asked in May by NME whether he’d be attending any Oasis shows, Robbie joked: “Not only will you not be seeing me at any Oasis shows, you will not be seeing me at any shows full stop.”

“I’m a wonderful agoraphobe, and a very happy agoraphobe.”

He’s also been clear about how powerful the reunion could be, telling fans: “The soap opera alone will either be exciting and or ghoulish to watch. As for the shows? They’re gonna be incredible, off-the-scale special.”

He called Liam “charismatic” and praised the return as a “healing moment for our country”, before adding with a smirk: “Noel will be there too.”

In 2022, Robbie labelled the brothers “gigantic bullies” but added: “I’m still a huge fan.”

Liam later responded: “I’ve never bullied anyone in my life. I’m a massive piss taker for sure and probably gone a little too far sometimes, but if I’ve ever hurt anyone’s feelings I apologise.”

Oasis, who clocked up over 70 million record sales worldwide after forming in Manchester in 1991, split in 2009 following a fall out between the brothers.

They will perform together tonight in Cardiff for the first time in 16 years in front of 74,500 fans.

Following huge shows there tonight and tomorrow, Oasis will take a short break before kicking off their run of shows at Heaton Park in Manchester on July 11.

Oasis 2025 tour dates

OASIS brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher have revealed a 17 gig comeback tour next summer - here are the details

The Wonderwall hitmakers will delight crowds as follows:

JULY 2025
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park

16th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium

30th – London, Wembley Stadium

AUGUST 2025
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium

12th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park

SEPTEMBER 2025
27th – London, Wembley Stadium
28th – London, Wembley Stadium

Blue plaque commemorating Robbie Williams, 1995.
Instagram
The pop star unveiled a spoof blue plaque on Berwick Street in Soho[/caption]
Two people walking down a city street.
Instagram
He also recreated the album’s famous artwork – wearing the same red tracksuit he wore at Glastonbury in 1995[/caption]
Robbie Williams and Liam Gallagher.
Alamy
It was there that he famously partied with the Gallaghers during Britpop’s wildest days[/caption]
Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis.
Oasis’ first gig is tonight at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium

Read More »

The Range knocks £50 off rattan sofa set that adds a touch of sophistication to your garden & lasts through winter

THE RANGE has knocked £50 off an on-trend garden sofa set, that will instantly add a touch of sophistication to your garden.

With temperatures set to pick up again next week, after a slightly cooler weekend, Brits across the nation are likely hoping to make the most of the summer by spending time in the garden.

The Range Home, Leisure & Garden store entrance.
Alamy
The Range has knocked £50 off an on-trend garden sofa set[/caption]
Grey rattan outdoor sofa set with table and two ottomans.
The Range
The four piece set is perfect for entertaining guests[/caption]

And what better way to enjoy the sun than by treating yourself to a new garden furniture set?

The Range sofa set

The Range’s stylish Four Piece Clara Rattan Sofa Set has been slashed from £249.99 to £199.99, a saving of £50.

The elegant seating area comes in the viral rattan design, which will immediately elevate your outdoor space.

Made with a robust steel frame, it is designed to be able to cope with adverse weather conditions, so you can enjoy it for summers to come.

The set includes one sofa, two stools and one table, making it perfect for families.

It also comes with plush cushions, to provide maximum comfort, and the perfect space to relax after a long day.

The Range said: “Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this patio set is designed for relaxation and style.

“Elevate your garden with this fantastic addition that seamlessly blends comfort and elegance.”

You can order the sofa online, and have it delivered to your door, or pick it up from on of The Range’s 200 stores nationwide.

More garden furniture bargains

B&M has slashed the price of its New York Corner Set by £75, a saving of 21%.

The sofa set, which was originally priced at £350, has now been reduced to £275.

The black and grey sofa comes in a either a two seater (135 x 71 x H64cm) or three seater  (206 x 71 x 64cm) size, making it perfect for hosting small family gatherings.

Tesco shoppers are currently rushing to stores to buy stunning “reduced to clear” garden furniture that’s up to 40% off.

Shoppers can get their hands on the Outsunny Foldable Sun Lounger that comes with a side pocket and headrest for £23.19.

How to get rust off garden furniture

And if you don’t want to fork out for new furniture, and simply fancy sprucing up the garden chairs you already have, a 90p Wilko buy will have them looking brand new.

Laura Carter from the online retailer Furniturebox has shared go-to technique for revamping your furniture.

According to the expert, all you need is a brillo pad to spruce up your rusty metal outdoor furniture.

Nothing dates outdoor furniture more than rust but thankfully, it can be easily cleaned off.

And what better way to do so than using an inexpensive Brillo pad, which prove to be great for surfaces such as steel or cast iron.

You can pick up Brillo pads for just 90p from your local Wilko’s.

Read More »

I wasn’t going to spend thousands on a wedding dress so got an Oh Polly one for £75 – no one would know it wasn’t pricey

A BRIDE-TO-BE who didn’t want to spend thousands on a wedding dress has shared how she found the perfect one for just £75.

Georgia-Rae is tying the knot in just three months’ time, and is keen to show that a dress for the big day doesn’t have to set you back an extortionate amount.

Woman in a white strapless dress.
Georgia-Rae took to TikTok to share a look at the wedding dress she picked up from Oh Polly for £75
TikTok/@georgiaraeb
Woman in a white dress in her living room.
The dress fitted her like a glove
TikTok/@georgiaraeb
Woman in a white dress.
And had a sculpting fishtail silhouette for some added glamour
TikTok/@georgiaraeb

So she took to TikTok to share a video in which she shared a look at the Oh Polly dress – the ivory Aveline gown.

“I think it’s good to show girls that you don’t have to spend thousands on a wedding dress,” she said.

“If you’re doing a wedding on a budget, it’s completely possible, so here goes.

“Let me know what you think. I love it. It’s me!”

“3 months to go and I’ve finally got a dress!” she captioned the video.

According to the Oh Polly website, the Aveline maxi dress is “inspired by the beauty of botanical gardens in high summer”.

The gown has a “sculpting fishtail silhouette”, and is covered with “hand-applied floral appliqués”, as well as having adjustable straps for multiple styling options.

“Crafted from lightweight georgette that hugs your curves, it is enhanced with perfectly placed ruching at the sides,” the description adds.

It also comes in a gorgeous blush colour, perfect for any pink-loving brides.

People were quick to comment on the video, praising Georgia-Rae for the dress choice.

“You look incredible!” Oh Polly said.

“Beautiful! I got my wedding dress off Oh Polly too!” another added.

“It’s different to yours. I paid £80 with a discount code. I get married next week!”

“Mine was £90 from boohoo and I couldn’t believe I’d spent so much on a dress,” a third commented.

“I could never justify thousands.”

“It’s absolutely beautiful,” someone else said.

Average cost of a wedding in 2025

Recent research by Hodge reveals the dream of getting married can come with a hefty price tag, reaching more than £20,000.  

  • Food – £6,000
  • Honeymoon – £4,329
  • Wedding outfits – £3,500
  • Entertainment – £2,000
  • Engagement ring – £1,948
  • Flowers – £1,110
  • Wedding ring – £1,000
  • Wedding transport – £700

Total = £20,587

“I could easily have cost a fortune. You look beautiful!”

“You look spectacular, you would never think it was £75,” another wrote.

“My dress was secondhand and I wore it twice myself, it was £200 and exactly what I wanted!”

“That’s the bargain of the century & you look great in it. No need to spend thousands of pounds,” someone else praised.

“It’s beautiful you look amazing, a great choice,” another commented.

“Yes people need to remember weddings don’t need to be about cost.

“So many places sell dresses for weddings without the boutique cost.”

Woman in a white dress.
She wants the dress to be proof that brides don’t have to spend thousands on a dress
TikTok/@georgiaraeb
Woman in a beige top with lace detailing.
Georgia-Rae is tying the knot in just three weeks’ time
TikTok/@georgiaraeb

Read More »

Missing Sabungeros Case – Philippines Asks Japan’s Help To Search For Human Remains

PH has asked for Japan’s technical assistance for the missing sabungeros case. 34 people and more in the missing sabungeros case are in Taal Lake, and the country has asked for Japan’s help to search for any human remains. Whistleblower “Totoy” stands by his allegation that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang is the mastermind behind the ... Read more

The post Missing Sabungeros Case – Philippines Asks Japan’s Help To Search For Human Remains appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

Kin urges search for missing sabungeros in lake: ‘Kahit buto na lang’

MANILA, Philippines — Some family members of the abducted cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) urged authorities to look for their lost loved ones supposedly buried in Taal Lake. Whistleblower Julie Patidongan, under the alias Totoy, claimed in an interview over GMA News last June that the missing sabungeros were killed, tied to sandbags and dumped into the

Read More »

David Beckham pays emotional tribute to wife Victoria on their 26th anniversary and sends message to Brooklyn amid feud

DAVID Beckham has paid an emotional tribute to wife Victoria Beckham on their 26th wedding anniversary, and sent a message to Brooklyn amid the feud. 

The 50-year-old football star shared a selection of throwback snaps of himself and Victoria. 

Black and white photo of David and Victoria Beckham at a wedding reception; Victoria is giving a speech.
News Group Newspapers Ltd
David Beckham has paid an emotional tribute to wife Victoria Beckham on their 26th wedding anniversary, and sent a message to Brooklyn amid the feud[/caption]
Black and white photo of Victoria Beckham with her four children.
Jam Press
David included a photo of Brooklyn and his other children[/caption]

The first being a beautiful photo from their wedding day, where the beloved couple can be seen sharing a sweet moment. 

David penned an emotional tribute to his fashion designer wife, writing: “26 years today you said YES to me. 

“Happy Anniversary and thank you for giving me our beautiful children and building the life that we have together. I love you Lady Beckham. @victoriabeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.” 

David’s tribute featured a nod to his four children, including eldest Brooklyn, amid their feud. 

The proud husband included photos of Victoria and all of their children. 

David also shared a string of snaps from their wedding day, as well as a recent photo from his 50th birthday, sharing a quiet moment with his wife. 

Fans adored the carousel of images, as one person wrote: “Happy anniversary to you both ❤ beautiful family ❤.” 

A second wrote: “Absolutely adore you two 😍 Super congrats,” and a third echoed: “Icons – please stay together forever.” 

David’s post comes after Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz missed David’s 50th party in Miami, his fishing trip with his sons Cruz and Romeo, an intimate dinner at their Cotswolds home and his star-studded birthay bash in London.

Sources said the snub was a “dagger to the heart” for his parents.

Two weeks later the couple, who live in Los Angeles, jetted to London for a Moncler shoot but failed to meet up with Brooklyn’s family.

The photos for the Italian fashion brand have finally been released and show Brooklyn snuggling into Nicola in a series of romantic moments.

The Sun revealed they landed the six figure deal with the designer firm and shot the photos minutes away from the Beckhams‘ home in West London.

They were also up the road from where David was, attending the Chelsea Flower Show with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

An insider said at the time: “Brooklyn and David couldn’t have been closer in distance.

“It strikes a chord knowing how close in distance Brooklyn was to David given how tense their relations have been recently.

“Brooklyn was filming five minutes away by car.”

Rumours about a feud with the Beckham clan and Nicola, 30, have circulated since her £3million wedding to Brooklyn, 26, in Florida in 2022.

Since then, the alleged clash has intensified after Brooklyn snubbed all four parties that were thrown for his ex-footballer dad David to celebrate his birthday.

This week, more upset was caused when photos were shared showing Brooklyn enjoying a party for his father-in-law, Nelson Peltz’s birthday.

Throwback photo of David and Victoria Beckham with two Rottweiler puppies.
Jam Press
Fans adored the carousel of images, as one person wrote: “Happy anniversary to you both, beautiful family”[/caption]
Black and white photo of David and Victoria Beckham at a wedding anniversary celebration. Victoria is giving a speech.
Jam Press
The couple have been married for 26 years[/caption]
David and Victoria Beckham cutting their wedding cake with a sword.
Instagram
David also shared a string of snaps from their wedding day, as well as a recent photo from his 50th birthday, sharing a quiet moment with his wife[/caption]

Read More »

Killer who tortured love rival to death is jailed after he plotted gruesome murder with victim’s glam ex-wife

A KILLER who tortured a love rival to death after plotting the murder with the victim’s glam ex-wife has been jailed.

Thomas Campbell was discovered naked and bound with duct tape in his hallway after he was ambushed on his doorstep.

John Belfield, who denies murder and conspiracy to rob.
MEN Media
John Belfield has been jailed for life for murdering a love rival[/caption]
Coleen Campbell, found guilty of manslaughter.
Belfield had plotted the murder with his victim’s ex Coleen Campbell
Steve Allen
Thomas Campbell and Coleen Campbell by a pool.
MEN Media
Thomas Belfield was tortured to death at home[/caption]

The 38-year-old was then dragged inside and tortured to death in a two-hour horror ordeal.

Before his death, Thomas had been dating John Belfield’s ex Demi-Lee Driver and he was “hostile” about the relationship.

The 31-year-old masterminded the plot to murder Thomas at his home in Mossley, Greater Manchester, using intel passed to him by the victim’s ex-wife, Coleen Campbell.

He has now been jailed for life with a minimum of 37 years after being convicted of murder and conspiracy to rob.

Sentencing, Mr Justice Graham said: “Thomas Campbell was no saint. Like you, he was involved in the sale and distribution of drugs. He was also a human being.

“The manner of his death was horrific. His family and friends have had to listen to the description of his injuries.

“His father has described his family’s prolific grief – it’s plain he was greatly loved.”

Campbell, 38, was previously jailed for 13 years after she shared intelligence of Thomas’ whereabouts to Belfield.

The mum-of-four was captured on CCTV in her pink pyjamas chatting to Belfield for 25 minutes in her garden just hours before the savage attack.

She and Belfield had met up and also exchanged 35 phonecalls and 68 messages as she conspired to have her ex-husband robbed.

During this time, Campbell divulged key information about Thomas – including details of his van’s registration plate and his house number.

Further footage released by police showed a tracking device being placed on Thomas’ car as he dropped his daughter off at school.

Security camera footage of a woman on a patio, on a phone call.
MEN Media
Campbell was captured plotting the murder with Belfield[/caption]

Belfield, Reece Steven, 29, and Stephen Cleworth, 38, used this to conduct reconnaissance missions to the dad’s home.

The court heard Belfield was “obsessed” with his ex Demi-Lee, who was now dating Thomas, and had messaged her before the killing, warning: “You’re mine”.

He also text his ex, saying: “You will never have a boyfriend you will have to move country give it a week and you will see why and happens when you take the p***.”

In the lead-up to the brutal murder, Belfield also sent Thomas a message, saying: “I’m going to s**g her [Campbell] for the point of it as well as saying you like her you soft boy.”

The prosecutor said a few days after the messages, Thomas died in the “most terrible way”.

On July 3, 2022, three men “pounced” on the dad as he arrived home late from a night out.

Blood splattered the walls of his smart new-build home as he was bound and brutalised while being tortured for two hours.

A post mortem found injuries to his head and neck suggested a “sustained blunt sharp force physical assault”.

The dad also had burns on his body that were caused by a “hot liquid such as hot water”.

He had been dragged around the house as the attackers took as much money or drugs as they could get their hands on.

Thomas was then left to die in the hallway before being discovered the following day by a neighbour.

Belfield fled to South Africa following the gruesome killing and sent a series of chilling messages.

In one exchange with “right-hand man” Reece Steven, he callously joked the victim must have “bled everywhere”.

Steven, who has been jailed for Thomas’ murder, replied: “Tommy crumble. Dripping in tom juice everywhere.”

Campbell was jailed last year for 13 years after being convicted of manslaughter but cleared of murder.

Steven, 29, was caged for at least 37 years for murder while Stephen Cleworth, 38, was handed a minimum term of 12 years for manslaughter.

Wendy Logan, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “John Belfield was responsible for leading a meticulously planned attack to kill Thomas Campbell.

“Evidence presented by the prosecution made it clear that Belfield had orchestrated this attack and left no stone unturned to ensure it would be successful including organising surveillance of Campbell’s every move and even conducting dress rehearsals for their plans.

“Belfield then took extreme steps to evade justice by removing his fingerprints and DNA from the scene of the crime and fleeing on a plane to Suriname in South America – a country where he had no previous connections.

“Despite the 4,500-mile distance, Belfield remained in constant contact with his co-conspirators during their trial, even offering them advise over text message about their trial strategy.

Coleen Campbell in a light blue dress.
Campbell had passed on information about her ex’s whereabouts
MEN Media
Mugshot of Colleen Campbell.
GMP
She was jailed for manslaughter following the horror[/caption]
Man sitting with a chained tiger.
MEN Media
Thomas was found dead by his neighbours[/caption]

Read More »

DOJ Says 15 Police Officers ‘Under Restricted Duty’ due to Involvement in Missing Sabungeros Case

Families of Missing Sabungeros Meet w/ DOJ Secretary Boying Remulla DOJ – The Department of Justice claimed that 15 police officers are currently under “restricted duty” over the missing sabungeros case. A whistleblower identified as alias “Totoy” implicated Chinese-Filipino business giant Charlie Ang or more popularly known as Atong Ang and former actress Gretchen Barretto ... Read more

The post DOJ Says 15 Police Officers ‘Under Restricted Duty’ due to Involvement in Missing Sabungeros Case appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »