Three teenagers who brutally murdered a father in his own home have been named as they were sentenced to a combined total of 72 years in prison.
Kreisha Stroud, Jordan Tams, and Leandro Lopes attacked 40-year-old Gary Belfield and his son, Luke Williams, in was described as a “senseless” and “shocking” killing in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Previously protected by anonymity due to their ages, the judge lifted the restrictions on Thursday, allowing their names and faces to be revealed for the first time.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Stroud, just 15 at the time, orchestrated the attack in April last year, driven by a twisted desire for revenge over unsubstantiated claims Luke assaulted a relative of hers. Stroud enlisted her boyfriend, Jordan Tams, 17, and Leandro Lopes, then 17 and now 18, to carry out the attack.
The Mirror reports on the night of April 27, Tams and Lopes stormed the victims’ home in balaclavas, armed with a knife and a screwdriver. Mr. Belfield, a father of six originally from Manchester, was stabbed multiple times in the back and thigh, severing an artery and leaving him to bleed to death on his sofa. Luke, who was also stabbed, managed to escape.
Stroud, who was not present during the attack, was later covertly recorded saying she was “glad” Mr. Belfield had died and “disappointed” Luke survived.
All three defendants have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Tams and Lopes must serve a minimum of 26 years each, while Stroud must serve at least 20 years, reflecting her age and role in planning the attack.
In a victim impact statement, survivor Luke Williams described how the murder devastated their family. “They stole my best friend and changed our lives forever,” he said. “What happened that night was senseless. To me, these three people are vile human beings. Seeing them laughing and joking during court sessions shows they have no remorse.”
Presiding judge Mr. Justice Constable condemned the crime, calling it a “dreadful attack, shocking not just for its brutality and senselessness, but because it was orchestrated and carried out by children.”
Disturbing details emerged during the trial. Lopes stabbed Mr. Belfield in the thigh with a screwdriver, while Tams delivered fatal knife wounds to his back, damaging his ribs, lung, liver, and a major artery. Despite efforts by police and paramedics, Mr. Belfield died at the scene.
Prosecutor Michael Bunch emphasized Stroud’s pivotal role in recruiting Tams and Lopes, describing them as acting as a “team.” In a covert recording, Stroud admitted she was “glad” about Mr. Belfield’s death.
The court also heard about the teenagers’ troubled backgrounds. Tams had previously been convicted of carrying a knife, while Lopes had a caution for assault and additional convictions for robbery, assault, and fraud. Stroud, who had no prior convictions, had endured significant trauma throughout her life, including abandonment, abuse, and exploitation by adults.
Defending Stroud, Francis FitzGibbon KC described her as a “damaged” young girl suffering from PTSD who began using cannabis at just eight years old. He argued that her role in the attack was distinct from the “extraordinary violence” inflicted by Tams and Lopes, adding that Stroud had not been present at the scene and had not intended such a level of brutality.
Mitigation was also offered for the two male defendants. Toby Hedworth KC, representing Lopes, called all three teenagers “damaged goods.” Mark McKone KC, defending Tams, highlighted his client’s young age and emotional immaturity, as well as a traumatic childhood marked by exposure to violence.
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