A tragic case of jealousy and obsession unfolded in Somerset as a lorry driver was allegedly murdered by his partner’s former lover using a samurai sword. Michael Bretton, 41, stands accused of killing Craig Hurcombe, 39, at his place of work in Gurney Slade on January 1.
According to evidence presented at Bristol Crown Court, Mr. Hurcombe had been in a long-term relationship with Kate Saunders, which ended in 2023. Later, Ms. Saunders entered a casual relationship with Mr. Bretton, whom she met through an online dating site two years after her breakup. While Bretton sought a committed relationship, Ms. Saunders declined and ended their contact.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Hurcombe and Ms. Saunders rekindled their relationship, reportedly sparking jealousy in Bretton. The court heard accusations that Bretton engaged in stalking, including following the couple and even installing trackers on their vehicles.
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Prosecutor Mark Cotter KC described the murder as a “premeditated and cold-blooded execution,” carried out with a sword. On the evening of January 1, CCTV footage captured Mr. Hurcombe arriving at Blanchard’s yard where he worked. He was seen calmly waving at the camera just before the fatal attack, which was confirmed by a post-mortem to be caused by a single, deep stab wound.
Mr. Hurcombe’s body was found buried in a shallow grave at the site on January 14 after his mother reported him missing. A rusty samurai sword connected to the crime was later recovered from a nearby river.
Bretton, arrested on January 12, denies the murder and stalking charges, claiming Mr. Hurcombe’s death was accidental.
The prosecution emphasizes Bretton’s obsession with Ms. Saunders and jealousy toward her renewed relationship with Mr. Hurcombe as the clear motive for this brutal act. The trial remains ongoing as the jury considers the evidence.