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Love Rival's Death: Accused Claims Tragic Accident
27 Jul
Summary
- Accused claims victim died from impalement on metal shaft.
- Victim last seen alive on CCTV arriving at workplace.
- Defendant admits following victim to confront him.
A man on trial for murder claims the victim died in a tragic accident, impaling himself on a metal shaft. Michael Bretton, 41, is accused of killing Craig Hurcombe, 39, with a samurai sword in what prosecutors describe as a "premeditated and cold-blooded execution." Bretton testified at Bristol Crown Court that he followed Hurcombe to his workplace in Gurney Slade, Somerset, on January 1, 2026, to confront him.
Bretton admitted to burying Hurcombe's body after his death but maintained it was accidental. The court heard that Hurcombe was the ex-partner of Kate Saunders, with whom Bretton had a casual relationship that ended before she reunited with Hurcombe. It is alleged Bretton stalked both Saunders and Hurcombe out of jealousy, fitting trackers to their cars and loitering near Saunders' flat.
Bretton further testified that Saunders had confided in him about a restraining order against Hurcombe, though no such order was in place. He recounted an altercation a week prior at the Railway Inn where Hurcombe allegedly attacked him, leading to a fight that resulted in Bretton sustaining a head injury.
