Michael Bretton, 41, from Armoury Yard, Shaftesbury, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29-and-a-half years for the murder of Craig Hurcombe. The verdict was delivered at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, 31 July.
Bretton was found guilty of fatally stabbing 39-year-old lorry driver Craig Hurcombe at a yard in Gurney Slade on 1 January. The court heard that Bretton stabbed Craig once in the torso with a samurai sword, causing his death.
The prosecution described Bretton as “obsessed” with his ex-partner, Kate Saunders. Following their breakup in 2025, Bretton engaged in persistent stalking behaviour towards both Kate and her new partner, Craig. He was said to have attempted various methods to monitor and undermine their relationship over several months.
READ MORE: Ethan Nairne Secures Commonwealth Games Judo Gold for England
READ MORE: Plans Submitted for 30 New Homes Near Playing Fields in Somerset Village
Evidence revealed that Bretton tracked both individuals, fitting GPS devices to their vehicles and watching their movements. On New Year’s Eve, Craig’s Audi tyres were punctured, an act linked to Bretton. On 1 January, police placed Bretton near the location where the murder occurred, supported by CCTV footage showing him arriving shortly after Craig.
After the killing, Bretton attempted to conceal the crime by burning Craig’s clothes and burying his body in a shallow grave within a wooded area of the yard. He also used Craig’s phone to send messages, creating a false impression that Craig was alive.
“Bretton’s behaviour, including the stalking of Kate and the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to control and influence both Craig and Kate’s lives, was deeply disturbing,” said Detective Inspector Neil Meade.
Craig’s disappearance was reported on 10 January by his mother Nicola Hurcombe. Avon and Somerset Police recovered his body on 14 January. Pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery concluded that Craig died from a single, fatal stab wound.
In his defence, Bretton claimed that Craig had accidentally fallen onto a metal shaft at his workplace, leading to his death, and that he buried the body out of panic. However, this explanation was rejected by the jury.
Craig’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a “perfect son” and a hardworking, ambitious man who was well regarded by both family and colleagues. They expressed their profound grief and loss.
Detective Inspector Meade remarked on the extensive planning and premeditation involved in the murder, and expressed gratitude that justice had been served for Craig and his loved ones.