A man has appeared in court to deny murdering Thomas Campbell. Mr Campbell, 38, was found dead in his own home. John Belfield pleaded not guilty to the charge during a hearing at Manchester Crown Court.

Mr Campbell was discovered at a property in Tameside following an incident in July 2022. Mr Belfield also denied a charge of conspiring to rob Mr Campbell of ‘cash and valuables’.

Mr Campbell was discovered dead at his home in Mossley, Tameside, at about 10.30am on Sunday July 3, 2022.

Mr Belfield, 30, wore glasses and a black T-shirt as he appeared in court by prison video link. He spoke only to confirm that he could hear the proceedings, and to enter his pleas.

A trial has been scheduled for June next year. A further pre-trial hearing was set for September.

Mr Belfield, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody. Judge John Potter told him: “You have entered not guilty pleas to the two allegations on this indictment against you.

“I have fixed your trial to commence on June 3, 2025.” Prosecutors were represented during the hearing by Nicholas de la Poer KC and Richard Holland, while Mr Belfield was represented by Richard Wright KC and Richard Simons.