The relationship between Bretton and Ms Saunders ended around November because Ms Saunders was ‘confused and unsure,’ according to Bretton. The court heard he suspected it was Mr Hurcombe, so he called the police, believing it violated the restraining order. After driving away from the yard after Mr Hurcombe’s death, the court heard how Mr Bretton ‘just sat in a field crying’ in Dorset. The court heard Bretton owned a samurai sword, but he claims he got rid of it in September 2025. Mr Hurcombe’s body was found on January 14 of this year, and Bretton was charged with murder on January 15.