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Elderly Couple Killed in Arson Attack Over Drug Dispute
21 Jan
Summary
- Elderly couple died in house fire, victims of arson over drug dispute.
- Intended target was victim's son, George Jackson, over drug dealing.
- Three deny murder; one admits manslaughter of the couple.
An arson attack, intended for George Jackson, resulted in the tragic deaths of his mother, Sheila Jackson, 83, and her partner, Eric Greener, 77. The fire occurred at their St Helens home approximately 1 year and 6 months ago, on July 15th. The prosecution alleges that Kevin Weetman orchestrated the attack due to a perceived loss of 'face' after George Jackson refused to work as a drug dealer.
Four individuals, Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard, Lee Owens, and Paul Smith, are implicated in the incident. Smith, who died shortly after the blaze, was involved in starting the fire. Owens has admitted to the manslaughter of the couple, though he claims the intent was only to damage the building. Weetman and Maynard deny any involvement in the fire or the subsequent deaths. The trial at Liverpool Crown Court is expected to last six weeks.
