Gateshead murder victim Gary Belfield's son brands teen killers 'vile' as they are jailed for life

Luke Williams whose dad Gary Belfield was murdered in Felling, Gateshead
-Credit:Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News


Murdered Gary Belfield's son has today branded the so-called 'children' that killed his dad 'vile human beings'.

Dad-of-six Gary died after he was knifed repeatedly at his home in Felling, Gateshead, in April. His son, Luke Williams was seriously injured in the attack.

Today Leandro Lopes, 18, of Alfred Street, in Byker, Newcastle, Kriesha Stroud, 15, of Eastcote Terrace, Walker, Newcastle, and Jordan Tams, 17, of Wesley Court, Felling, who were all convicted of murder and attempted murder, were jailed for life. Stroud was jailed for a minimum of 20 years while Lopes and Tams must serve at least 26 years.

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Luke has previously told the Chronicle that his dad grew up in Manchester before moving to Gateshead in 2019. Then at the start of last year, Luke also came to Tyneside to live with Gary, 40, at his flat on Elliott Drive. And as the young killers were sentenced the heartbroken son told of his devastation at being robbed of his dad so soon after they were reunited.

In a statement read to the court the 22-year-old said: "Since that night my life does not seem real. I’m angry I couldn’t do more to help my dad but we were unarmed and unprepared for what happened. I’m grief-stricken. We enjoyed a great relationship which has been taken away. I grieve for the loss of the opportunity to enjoy a long, happy father and son relationship. It’s all I ever wanted.

Gary Belfield with his son Luke Williams
Gary Belfield with his son Luke Williams

“I’m traumatised by what happened. I truly believe if I had stayed in the flat I would not have survived."

And telling of his feeling's towards his dad's killers, Luke added: “I feel like what happened that night is senseless. They didn’t ask for anything but I sensed they had purpose. To me these three people are vile human beings. Seeing them laughing and joking pre- and post-court sessions tell me they have no remorse. I genuinely hope they get to live a long life of regret.

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“A lot has been made of them being children. Those children stole my best friend and changed our lives as a family forever. "

Then describing his feelings towards the killers he added: "To me the three people convicted are vile human beings. I genuinely hope they get to live a long life of regret. A lot has been made during the trial of the defendants being ‘children’. Those ‘children’ stole my best friend and changed our lives as a family forever.”

Leandro Lopes, found guilty of murder and attempted murder
Leandro Lopes, found guilty of murder and attempted murder -Credit:Northumbria Police

Det Chief Insp Chris Deavin, who lead the investigation for Northumbria Police, said: “This has been an incredibly tragic case and my thoughts remain with Gary’s family and loved ones during what has been a devastating time for them. They have been forced to endure and relive Gary’s final moments in a courtroom by his killers who have shown absolutely no remorse for this shocking and vile act. Thankfully, the weight of evidence against each offender was so overwhelming that the jury has found them guilty on all counts.

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“No sentence will ever erase the heartbreak of Gary’s death, but I hope the knowledge of knowing his killers have been brought to justice will bring a degree of closure.”

And in a message to anyone else considering using weapons Det Chief Insp Deavin added: "Violence has absolutely no place in our communities, and as a force we are committed to working with our partners to tackle such offending. The lives of everyone involved that evening have been forever changed by the decisions taken to carry weapons.

“However, each and every one of us has a role to play to help prevent further tragedies from ever happening – we must come together to help prevent violence and knife crime.”