Jordan Tams, an 18-year-old convicted murderer, passed away while in custody at HMP Deerbolt, a young offender institution in Barnard Castle, County Durham. The Prison Service confirmed his death on October 18 and stated that the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will conduct an investigation, as is standard procedure for all deaths in custody.
Tams, who was 17 at the time, was involved in the “senseless” murder of Gary Belfield, a 40-year-old father of six from Manchester. The incident occurred at a residence on Elliott Drive in Gateshead, where Mr. Belfield was fatally stabbed 11 times on April 27 the previous year. Tams, residing at Wesley Court in Felling, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years for his role in the murder.
Following the incident, a second man in his 20s sustained serious injuries but later recovered. Tams, along with two other individuals named Leandro Lopes and Kriesha Stroud, were identified after reporting restrictions were lifted during their sentencing process.
A spokesperson from the Prison Service announced the death of Jordan Tams at HMP Deerbolt on October 18, 2025, reiterating that an investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will be conducted.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Deavin of Northumbria Police expressed condolences to Gary Belfield’s family, emphasizing the tragic nature of the case and the lack of remorse shown by the perpetrators. He highlighted the importance of combating violence in communities and the collective responsibility to prevent further tragedies by addressing issues such as knife crime.