A WOMAN has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder after her “cocaine baron” husband was found dead in their plush home.
Colleen Campbell, 38, led a jet set lifestyle with her husband Thomas Campbell, also 38 – funded with dirty money from a cocaine racket.
3
3
But Colleen has now been charged with conspiracy to commit murder after Thomas was found dead at their home in Mossley, Greater Manchester, on July 3.
He had been released from prison after serving two years in prison in 2019 for hiding criminal property after he and Colleen flew on luxury trips to Cancun, Egypt, Gran Canaria, Mallorca and Bulgaria.
Thomas made £100,000 as a “coke baron”, while Colleen claimed tax credits and child support while working part-time for budget retailer Matalan.
Police investigated Thomas’ finances and discovered that he and Colleen flew to Cancun in premium seats for a 10-day family vacation – staying at the five-star Hard Rock Hotel.
The outing cost a whopping £10,000 – all paid in cash – and included 24-hour room service and a jacuzzi.
Police also found that Colleen was handing out cash deposits on supercars, including BMWs, Mercedes and Audis, between 2012 and 2016.
Officers found a BMW and a Mercedes with a price tag of £60,000 that had stopped on their drive when they visited their home in 2015.
Thomas was charged with laundering drug money to pay off their lavish lifestyle and recruiting relatives to help deal with the dirty money.
His brother Lee Campbell and cousin Stephen Campbell have been convicted of intent to supply cocaine, while Colleen’s brother Brian Bowden has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Another of her relatives signed planning permission for a £60,000 two-storey extension to her home, which will include an extra bedroom, a garden gym and a personal bar.
Colleen, who has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in Manchester Magistrates’ Court today.
Stephen Raymond Cleworth, 37, of Charles Street, Heywood, has already appeared before magistrates, also charged with conspiracy to commit murder.
3