Two men were seen laughing and smiling in court after being cleared of murdering two elderly victims in a devastating arson attack in St Helens. Kevin Weetman, Lee Owens, and Kylie Maynard faced trial for the deaths of pensioners Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, who perished in their home on South John Street on July 15 last year.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal blaze was allegedly set by Paul Smith, who died just one week after the incident. During the trial, Owens admitted to acting as a lookout but claimed he believed the property was empty at the time, pleading guilty to manslaughter in advance. He maintained that he had no intention to cause harm or death.
Complex Motives and Disputes
Owens argued that Smith targeted the house due to a personal dispute, suggesting it stemmed from Smith's belief that his intended victim had "taken the p***" after Maynard, with whom Smith had a sexual involvement, stayed at the address following issues over cocaine and money. Sheila Jackson's son, George Jackson, who also resided at the property, was reportedly the intended target in a drug-related row.
Weetman and Maynard denied any involvement in the plot, but after nearly 12 hours of deliberations by a jury of six men and six women, they were unanimously convicted of manslaughter. All three defendants were acquitted of two counts of murder.
Courtroom Reactions and Sentencing
Following the verdict, Weetman and Owens were observed smiling and laughing with each other, while Maynard showed no visible reaction. The trio are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, marking the next step in this harrowing case that has shocked the local community.
The trial highlighted the grim consequences of the arson attack, leaving a family devastated and raising questions about the circumstances leading to the tragic loss of two innocent lives. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus now shifts to the upcoming sentencing, where the full impact of their actions will be addressed by the court.
