Jordan Tams, an 18-year-old convicted murderer, passed away while being held at HMP Deerbolt, a youth detention center in Barnard Castle, County Durham. The Prison Service confirmed his death on October 18 and stated that the circumstances will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Tams, who was 17 at the time, was part of a trio found guilty of the fatal stabbing of Gary Belfield at a residence on Elliott Drive in Gateshead in April last year.
Gary Belfield, a 40-year-old father of six originally from Manchester, was fatally stabbed 11 times during the incident. Tams, residing at Wesley Court, Felling, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 26 years for his involvement in the murder. Another man in his twenties was also injured but made a full recovery. Tams, along with Leandro Lopes, 18, and Kriesha Stroud, 15, were publicly identified in January after reporting restrictions were lifted following their sentencing.
A spokesperson from the Prison Service announced the death of Jordan Tams at HMP Deerbolt on October 18, 2025, reiterating that an investigation will be conducted by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Detective Chief Inspector Chris Deavin of Northumbria Police expressed condolences to Gary Belfield’s family, highlighting the lack of remorse displayed by the perpetrators. Deavin emphasized the need to combat violence and knife crime in communities, urging collective efforts to prevent further tragedies.
