Home / Crime and Justice / Dealers Cleared of Murder in Couple's Arson Death
Dealers Cleared of Murder in Couple's Arson Death
17 Feb
Summary
- Elderly couple died after arson attack linked to drug debt.
- Intended target was the couple's son over £400-£700 cocaine.
- Three dealers convicted of manslaughter, not murder.
An elderly couple, Sheila Jackson, 83, and Eric Greener, 77, tragically died following an arson attack on their home in St Helens, Merseyside. The fire, set in the early hours of July 15 last year, was ordered by drug dealer Kevin Weetman to recover a debt of £400 to £700 for cocaine. Weetman targeted Mrs Jackson's son, George, who had claimed the drugs were a gift.
Lee Owens and Paul Smith carried out the arson, pouring flammable liquid on the front door. Neighbors heard screams and saw smoke and flames. Firefighters rescued Mrs Jackson and Mr Greener, but they both succumbed to their injuries in hospital days later.
Weetman, along with Kylie Maynard (described as Weetman's 'right-hand woman') and Lee Owens, were subsequently cleared of murder by a jury. However, Weetman and Maynard were found guilty of manslaughter, while Owens admitted the same charge. Paul Smith died by suicide a week after the fire.
Weetman and Owens were observed smiling after the verdicts. The judge warned Weetman, who insisted he was a drug dealer, not a killer, that he qualified for a discretionary life sentence due to his dangerousness. Sentencing for Weetman, Maynard, and Owens is scheduled for Thursday.
