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Lee Owens Admits Manslaughter in St Helens Arson Deaths

Two co-defendants deny murder charges, with trial scheduled for January 19.

Overview

  • Owens, 46, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court over the deaths of Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83.
  • Kylie Maynard, 37, and Kevin Weetman, 34, entered not-guilty pleas to murder, with a four-to-six-week trial due to begin on January 19.
  • Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded all three defendants into custody ahead of a pre-trial review on December 23.
  • Merseyside Police said an accelerant was used to start the July fire at the couple’s South John Street home in St Helens.
  • Firefighters rescued the pair from the blaze and they later died in hospital, with relatives and neighbours issuing tributes.