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Mother, Brother Charged in Teen's Fire Death
9 Jan
Summary
- Teenager Leah Casson died in a house fire on January 16, 2023.
- Her mother and brother face manslaughter charges.
- Four individuals appeared in court and were granted bail.
A devastating house fire on Vicarage Street, North Shields, resulted in the tragic death of 18-year-old Leah Casson in the early hours of January 16, 2023. While three individuals escaped the blaze, Leah was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations led to charges against her mother, Danielle Johnson, 43, and her brother, Louis Casson, 19, who appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court charged with manslaughter.
Johnson and Louis Casson also face charges for abstracting electricity. Co-accused Craig Watson, 42, is similarly charged with manslaughter and abstracting electricity, while Calvin Smith, 37, faces two counts of abstracting electricity. All four defendants confirmed their names, ages, and addresses in court proceedings.
All four individuals involved have been granted unconditional bail and are scheduled to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 10. Leah Casson, described by friends as an 'outgoing' and 'bubbly' girl with a 'heart of gold,' is deeply mourned by her loved ones.
