Michael Bretton, 41, has been found guilty of murdering Craig Hurcombe in what the court described as a “cold-blooded execution.” The incident occurred in Gurney Slade on January 1.
According to Bristol Crown Court, Mr Hurcombe, 39, had previously been in a relationship with Kate Saunders, which ended in 2023. Two years later, Ms Saunders and Mr Bretton met via an online dating site and entered a casual relationship. However, Ms Saunders later rekindled her relationship with Mr Hurcombe, causing Bretton to become “clearly jealous.”
On January 1, Bretton, who worked at a chocolate factory and lives in Shaftesbury, Dorset, went to Mr Hurcombe’s workplace to confront him. It is believed Bretton used a samurai sword to inflict a fatal wound on Mr Hurcombe before burying his body in a shallow grave on the work site.
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Despite denying the murder charge and claiming Mr Hurcombe’s death was accidental, Bretton was unanimously convicted by a jury following a two-week trial.
Reading the sentence, Judge William Hart told the court: “There is only one sentence available if a person is convicted of murder - life imprisonment. I must now determine the minimum term Mr Bretton must serve before being considered for release on licence.”
The judge commended Mr Hurcombe’s family, describing their conduct throughout the trial as displaying “dignity and restraint.” He also remarked on the extraordinary nature of the case, stating, “If you read about this case, you would think it is something from a crime novel.”
Prosecutor Mark Cotter KC informed jurors that Bretton had installed trackers on the vehicles of both Ms Saunders and Mr Hurcombe, evidencing his obsession and jealousy. This escalating behaviour led to the fatal attack.
Mr Cotter described the killing as “premeditated and cold-blooded,” carried out with a sword, driven by Bretton’s obsession with Ms Saunders and jealousy over her renewed relationship.
On the evening of January 1, Mr Hurcombe, from Devizes, arrived at Blanchard’s yard in Gurney Slade for work. CCTV footage captured him waving at a camera at 6:26 pm before heading towards his lorry. He is believed to have been killed shortly afterwards.
He was reported missing by his mother on January 10. His body was found in a shallow grave in woodland near the work site on January 14.
Pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery’s examination confirmed Mr Hurcombe died from a single, deep stab wound penetrating his torso.
A rusty samurai sword, presumably the weapon used, was recovered from the River Stour near Sturminster Newton several weeks later.
Bretton was arrested on January 12 and largely remained silent during police interviews, only denying any involvement. During the trial, he maintained that Mr Hurcombe’s death was accidental.
Sentencing is expected to take place on Friday afternoon.