Three teenagers found guilty of murder of Manchester man in Gateshead

Just after 9.10pm on Saturday, April 27, police responded to a report via the ambulance service of concern for the welfare of a 40-year-old man at a property on Elliott Drive in the Felling area.

Emergency services attended and found Gary Belfield, from the Manchester area, who had suffered injuries consistent with having been stabbed.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he sadly died at the scene.

A second man, aged in his 20s, was also seriously injured in the incident. He has since made a full recovery.

An investigation was swiftly launched by the Force’s Major Investigation Team with officers piecing together the events leading to Gary’s tragic death.

It soon emerged that earlier that evening, Leandro Lopes, now 18, along with a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, who can not be named for legal reasons, travelled to the address to settle a pre-existing dispute.

Lopes and the teenage boy entered the property and stabbed both men multiple times, with Gary sustaining 11 separate injuries in the fatal attack.

The second victim managed to escape from his attackers and flee the area before raising the alarm at a nearby garage.

Enquiries progressed quickly, and the three suspects were all arrested within two days.

Lopes, of Alfred Street, Byker, along with the 17-year-old boy and the 15-year-old girl, were each charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.

Following a four-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, today (Monday) they were each found guilty of all charges by jurors.

They have all been remanded in custody and are due to be sentenced in January.

Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Chris Deavin, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Gary’s family and loved ones as they continue to process their loss.

“Nothing can ever heal the wounds of Gary’s passing, but I am pleased we have been able to provide his family with answers by bringing those responsible for his death to justice.”

Det Insp Deavin added: “Sadly, this case is the latest example of how violence destroys so many lives, and there is absolutely no place for it in any of our communities.

“Gary is no longer with us because of the decision to carry weapons that night, and the pain of that tragedy will never leave his loved ones.

“There are never any winners when it comes to knife crime and I sincerely hope this sends a strong and sobering message across the North East.”