A tragic fire and its aftermath: Unraveling the story of Eric and Sheila's deaths
Today, we delve into a gripping courtroom drama that unfolds in the wake of a devastating fire. A couple, Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson, aged 77 and 83 respectively, lost their lives in a blaze at their St. Helens home. The story takes an intriguing turn as three individuals face trial for their alleged involvement in this tragic incident.
The Accused and the Charges
Kylie Maynard, 37, from Rydal Street in Everton, Lee Owens, 46, with no fixed address, and Kevin Weetman, 34, from Croxteth Drive in Aigburth, stand accused of the murders of Eric and Sheila. Despite pleading not guilty to these charges, Owens has admitted to two counts of manslaughter related to the couple's deaths. The trial, set to span six weeks, will see all three defendants face a jury.
A Timeline of Events
The ECHO provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the fire. Emergency services responded to the scene on July 15, 2025, shortly after midnight. Eric and Sheila, partners for three decades, had resided in their South John Street home for 15 years. Firefighters arrived to find the property engulfed in flames, and both victims were rescued. Sadly, Eric succumbed to his injuries the following day, with Sheila passing away on July 17.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The family of Eric and Sheila paid a moving tribute, describing them as "the life and soul of the party." They were known for their love of karaoke and caravan holidays. The family's statement emphasized the devastating loss felt by their loved ones and the community.
Unraveling the Evidence
The prosecution, led by Mr. Power, presents a compelling case. He cites an example of a "flare message," a term used by drug dealers to advertise their products. These messages were sent from Maynard's phone, and one such message was received by George Jackson, a key figure in the case.
A Web of Communications
The court hears about a series of calls and messages between the defendants and key witnesses. On June 10, Kevin Weetman tried to contact George Jackson, offering him a role in the drug trade. There were attempts to reach Kylie Maynard, and eventually, Weetman spoke to Jackson for 58 seconds. This call was followed by Jackson contacting a friend, Gary Brighouse, suggesting a meeting at Haresfinch garage.
A Meeting and an Offer
Mr. Power describes a "meeting" near an underpass on the East Lancs Road. Weetman insisted on rewarding Jackson for his help with Kylie, offering him half an ounce of drugs. Jackson, however, declined the offer, assuming it was an invitation to deal drugs. Despite this, Weetman persisted, and Jackson eventually agreed to meet near the underpass.
The Exchange and Its Aftermath
At the meeting, Jackson received the drugs from a male in his late 20s or early 30s. He assumed it was an offer to deal drugs, but he declined. Jackson used the drugs and shared them with his friends. However, Weetman's offer did not end there.
A Homophobic Slur and a Taxi Ride
Mr. Power presents a Facebook message from George Jackson to Baz Hardman, containing a homophobic slur. That night, Jackson took a taxi from South John Street in St. Helens to Rydal Street. The next morning, he contacted Kylie Maynard to check on her well-being.
A Drug Robbery and Its Impact
Between June 6 and June 8, there were attempts to contact George Jackson, which led to a meeting with Kylie Maynard. Maynard, upset and disheveled, explained that she had been robbed of drugs by three men. Jackson took pity on her and offered her a place to stay at his mother's house.
The Victims and Their Lives
Sheila Jackson, 83, and Eric Greener, 77, were known to have lived peacefully in their St. Helens home for a long time. Their son, George Jackson, often stayed with them. The court learns that Weetman, known as "Red Head" or "Red," was a drug dealer who controlled Kylie Maynard and Paul Smith, responsible for the arson attack.
Address Connections and the Arson Attack
The court is shown pictures of the defendants and Smith. Weetman is linked to an address on Grasmere Avenue in St. Helens, while Maynard is connected to Thirlmere Road in Anfield. Owens lived on the East Lancs Road in Liverpool and was later arrested at an address on Drake Road in Fazakerley. Smith resided in a flat on Lower Breck Road.
The Motorbike and Its Hiding Place
Mr. Power presents evidence suggesting that the motorbike used in the arson attack was hidden at an address linked to Maynard. Owens' sister lived on Cassia Close in Liverpool, and he was in the area before the attack. Smith's mother lived in Sovereign Road, and the Grasmere Avenue address was linked to Weetman's cousin, where he spent much of his time.
The Death of a Key Figure
Paul Smith, one of the individuals responsible for setting the fire, has since passed away. Owens has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Eric and Sheila, but the issue remains as to whether he intended to cause harm beyond the building. Weetman and Maynard deny any involvement in the fire and the deaths of Eric and Sheila.
The Prosecution's Case
Mr. Power outlines the prosecution's case, stating that Weetman and Maynard attempted to trick George Jackson into working as a drug dealer. Jackson had helped Maynard after she was robbed of drugs, and in return, Weetman offered him drugs. When Jackson declined, Weetman's mood changed, and he started demanding payment for the drugs.
The Intended Target and the Tragic Outcome
The prosecution argues that Weetman, feeling disrespected, decided to take action against Jackson by setting fire to his house. While Smith and Owens failed to kill Jackson, the fire tragically claimed the lives of Eric and Sheila.
The Jury's Role and the Judge's Instructions
Justice Jay emphasizes the importance of the jury's role and instructs them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the courtroom. He warns against being influenced by media reports and stresses that their view of the evidence is crucial.
The Trial Begins
The judge takes his position, and the defendants are brought into the courtroom. Owens sits to the left, wearing a grey tracksuit. Maynard, with blonde hair tied back, sits between her co-defendants. Weetman, with short red hair, appears closest to the jury.
The Legal Team
The prosecution is represented by Nigel Power KC and Alex Langhorn. Weetman's defense team includes Peter Wright KC and Katy Appleton. Maynard's defense is led by Peter Finnegan KC and Kate Morley. Michael Brady KC and Jonathan Duffy represent Owens. High Court judge Mr. Justice Jay presides over the trial.
The Prosecution's Opening
The trial begins with the prosecution's opening statement, outlining the tragic events of July 15, 2025, when Paul Smith and Lee Owens set fire to a house in St. Helens, resulting in the deaths of Eric and Sheila. The prosecution emphasizes that Eric and Sheila were not the intended victims of the blaze.
