JAMES CAMPBELL'S HORRIFIC MURDER IN NEWCASTLE: DOMESTIC ABUSE TURNS DEADLY IN LEMINGTON
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Newcastle, James Campbell, a 33-year-old man from Lemington, has been convicted of murdering his partner under circumstances that reveal a history of domestic violence and brutality.The incident unfolded on a day that was supposed to be a quiet, reflective visit for the victim, Colette Myers, 33, who had gone to pay her respects at her baby daughter's grave before returning home.
Colette Myers, who had been living in the same house on Denwick Avenue since she was 14, was found dead at her residence in Lemington in April.
Her death was caused by a severe brain injury, which pathologists described as akin to the injuries sustained by a pedestrian hit by a vehicle or someone who has fallen from a significant height or been assaulted with a weapon.
The court heard that her injuries were so severe that they would have caused almost immediate death.
James Campbell, who was present at the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, denied the murder charge, claiming that her injuries might have resulted from her walking into a ladder.
He maintained that he was in bed at the time and only heard her bump into the ladder on the stairs, which he suggested could have caused her fatal injuries.
Campbell also claimed that she appeared intoxicated and that he simply went to sleep, only discovering her lifeless body the following morning around 7:00 am on April 20.
He then went next door to wake a neighbor, who checked on Ms Myers and contacted the police.
However, the evidence presented in court painted a far more sinister picture.
Prosecutor Sharon Beattie KC described the case as a
