Three individuals who set fire to a residence resulting in the deaths of an elderly couple have been sentenced to prison. Eric Greener, 77, and Sheila Jackson, 83, lost their lives due to burns and smoke inhalation following the targeted arson attack on their house in St Helens. The incident occurred on South John Street, with George Jackson, Sheila’s son and resident of the property, believed to be the intended target in a drug-related dispute.
Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard, and Lee Owens faced trial for the deaths of the pensioners. Owens confessed to playing a role in setting the fire and admitted to manslaughter, claiming he thought the house was unoccupied. Although the jury acquitted all three defendants of murder, Weetman and Maynard were found guilty of manslaughter.
Weetman, deemed the mastermind behind the scheme by the judge, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years. Owens was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison, with a requirement to serve at least two-thirds of the term before being eligible for release. Maynard was handed a 23-year prison term, with a similar condition for release.
During the trial, prosecutor Nigel Power revealed that the arson was orchestrated to target George Jackson due to a drug-related disagreement with Weetman. The court learned that Owens, along with another individual, was sent to carry out the attack, resulting in the tragic deaths of Eric and Sheila.
The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Jay, condemned the crime as “appalling,” leading to the unnecessary deaths of innocent individuals caught in the web of drug dealing. The families of the victims expressed their sorrow, highlighting the love and warmth that Eric and Sheila brought to their lives.
As the sentencing was handed down, Weetman and Owens displayed contrasting reactions, while Maynard remained impassive, according to reports. The families of the deceased urged for justice and emphasized the positive impact Eric and Sheila had on their lives.
