A man has admitted killing an elderly couple who died after an arson attack at their St Helens home in July. Lee Owens, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter for the deaths of Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. The couple died in hospital days after their South John Street property was deliberately set on fire using an accelerant.
Two co-defendants deny murder charges. Kylie Maynard, 37, of Rydal Street in Everton, and Kevin Weetman, 34, of Croxteth Drive in Aigburth, pleaded not guilty to murder at the same court hearing. Both also denied charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine. All three defendants were remanded in custody.
Emergency services responded to the blaze shortly after 12:30 AM on July 15. Firefighters rescued both residents from the end-terrace home, which had its front door engulfed in flames. Eric Greener died in hospital the following day. Sheila Jackson passed away on the morning of July 17.
Family tribute
The couple's family described them as deeply loved members of the community. «Sheila and Eric, also known as our Queen and King, were a deeply loved mum, nan, great nan, sister, auntie, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and couple,» the family said in a statement. «They were known for being the life and soul of the party, always loving a song on the karaoke and enjoying a great caravan holiday. They will forever be devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends and the community.»
The couple had been together for three decades and lived at the property for 15 years.
Community shock
Neighbour Gavin Thelwell told the Liverpool Echo he was struggling to comprehend what happened. «I feel so sorry for them. They're good people. I chat with them all the time,» he said. «He's usually walking down with his walking frame to go to the pub, and he'll stop halfway by the street sign to have a break. They were always really nice. I just can't believe this has happened. It's so bad.»
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath of Merseyside Police called the incident «truly shocking». «It's difficult to comprehend how someone could deliberately start a fire while two elderly people are inside the home. It's absolutely sickening, and we are determined to find the person or people responsible,» he said.
A pre-trial review is scheduled for December 23. The trial for Maynard and Weetman is set to begin on January 19 and is expected to last four to six weeks.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
