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'Obsessive' Stalker Slayed Ex-Partner's New Boyfriend with Samurai Sword
A jury found Michael Bretton guilty after prosecutors said he killed Craig Hurcombe in a jealous attack with a sword and buried the body.
- On Friday, a jury at Bristol Crown Court unanimously convicted 41-year-old Michael Bretton of murdering lorry driver Craig Hurcombe with a samurai sword, rejecting his claim the victim died in a 'tragic accident' at his workplace.
- Prosecutors said Bretton was 'clearly jealous' of Hurcombe's relationship with Kate Saunders; he tracked the couple using GPS devices before confronting Hurcombe at his work yard on New Year's Day to execute the attack.
- After the murder, Bretton burned Hurcombe's clothes and car, then spent 10 days using the victim's SIM card to send a 'series of heartless messages' to friends and family, prolonging their agony.
- Judge William Hart sentenced Bretton to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years and six months, describing the case as 'extraordinary' and a 'cowardly and secret attack' resembling 'something from a crime novel.'
- Nicola Hurcombe, Craig's mother, said over 210 people attended her son's funeral, demonstrating the profound impact of a life taken in such 'brutal, horrific manner' on the community.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
14%
C 64%
R 22%
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