Tributes To Girl Killed In Wall Collapse

A four-year-old girl who was killed when a garden wall fell on top of her has been described as a "little angel".

Surranna Stonestreet was trapped under the weight of the fallen debris just metres from where her father Karl was working.

It is understood he was removing a door frame from a shed when the wall gave way in Bath, Somerset, on Friday afternoon.

On a Facebook page set up in her daughter's memory, Surranna's mother Nicola wrote: "R.I.P BABY UR GOING TO B SOOOOO MISSED UR WERE MY WORLD. NOW SLEEPING WITH THE ANGELS LOVE U DARLING XXXX."

Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the youngster on the social networking site.

Susan Tan wrote: "My deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family Nicola. I am truly so sorry for your loss but be assured that she is now home with God."

"No parent should feel what you are going through right now," wrote Donna Friday, while Nicky Garlington added: "RIP little angel xxx."

Ken Marks, who lives opposite the Stonestreet family in Haycombe Drive, described hearing "bad screams" before running to help.

He said: "I went into the house and saw the little girl on the hallway floor.

"I just stood there trying to console Karl. It seemed like ages before the ambulance arrived but it was only four or five minutes.

"The parents are traumatised. Karl is absolutely devastated by it.

"Nicola and Karl are smashing people. They are a happy family and the kids are always happy."

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said Surranna's death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the local coroner.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unauthorised Apps 'Costing Parents £30m'

Children buying unauthorised apps have cost parents around £30m, a study suggests.

The survey found youngsters using smartphones or tablets increase families' average monthly charges by around £34, with more than a quarter of parents (28%) hit by inflated bills.

Eight-year-olds were shown to run up the highest bills, adding an average of £59.59 - while 36% of children aged four and under have made purchases without permission.

The data emerged after five-year-old Danny Kitchen hit the headlines for racking up a £1,700 bill in a few minutes while playing a game on his parents' iPad.

A total of 14% of parents to have received unexpected charges for similar reasons voiced concerns over affording the costs, and 34% say they now hide their tablets or smartphones.

However, the study suggested nearly one in five parents equips their children with their passwords, nearly a quarter of parents do not have a security password, and one in 10 give their children free rein to access whatever content they want.

Meanwhile, more than half (54%) of the parents surveyed said they link their smartphone or tablet to an easily accessible subscription service or direct debit account.

The Windows Phone UK-commissioned study said unauthorised purchases had an estimated total cost of £30,883,157.

Brett Siddons, of Windows Phone UK, said: "Our research reveals parents are worried about the impact of app and in-app purchases on their bills and we understand the stress this can cause.

"With technology becoming more and more intuitive, it's important that parents can trust in the technology they use and feel as safe as possible when handing over their smartphone and tablet devices to their children."

According to the survey, children spend on average three hours and 21 minutes a week playing games and using apps.

More than 2,000 parents who own smartphones or tablets were consulted for the survey by OnePoll last month.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sunshine May Help Cut Blood Pressure Levels

Spending time in the sun may help cut blood pressure levels, a result that may outweigh the risks of developing skin cancer, scientific research has found.

The way it works is that nitric oxide, a pressure-reducing compound, is released in the blood by the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun - and artificial sun lamps - and can cut the risk of heart attacks and stroke, the new study claims.

The study was carried out by Edinburgh University scientists who measured the blood pressure of 24 volunteers sitting beneath UV lamps for two 20-minute sessions.

The scientists now say that guidelines on safe levels of exposure to the sun may need to be reconsidered.

In the first session, the volunteers were exposed to the lamps' UV rays and heat, while in the second session the UV rays were blocked so that only the heat of the lamps affected the skin.

Blood pressure dropped significantly for one hour following exposure to UV rays but no change was recorded after the heat-only sessions, the results show.

Skin cancer experts warned that the study was a small one

Vitamin D had previously been thought of as the only health benefit from UV rays but the scientists say their experiments show additional positive effects.

"We suspect that the benefits to heart health of sunlight will outweigh the risk of skin cancer," said Dr Richard Weller, senior lecturer in dermatology at the university.

"The work we have done provides a mechanism that might account for this and also explains why dietary vitamin D supplements alone will not be able to compensate for lack of sunlight.

"We now plan to look at the relative risks of heart disease and skin cancer in people who have received different amounts of sun exposure. If this confirms that sunlight reduces the death rate from all causes, we will need to reconsider our advice on sun exposure."

Heart disease and stroke linked to high blood pressure causes around 80 times more deaths than those from skin cancer, the researchers said.

The British Association of Dermatologists said the results of the study should be treated with caution.

Director Nina Goad said: "While this is interesting, these preliminary data on just 24 healthy volunteers with one hour's observation could be explained by many factors and variables not related to the sun.

"The findings do not confirm sustained blood pressure reduction in the general population. Research in this area is still very much in its infancy."

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

'Pool Of Offenders' In Music School Abuse

Police are investigating a pool of "around 10 offenders" after receiving claims of historic sexual abuse by more than 30 women at a music school.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said since it commenced its investigation of abuse at Chetham's School of Music last February, more than a dozen other claims had also been received.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Daniels, from GMP's Protective Services Division, said: "This is a significant inquiry in terms of potential number of offenders and number of victims.

"We are supporting each and every person who has come forward and made a complaint to us as best we can, and I must credit them all for having the courage to face demons that have been haunting them for many, many years."

DCI Daniels added: "This has been a high-profile investigation from the off and due to the complexities and sensitivities involved cannot and will not be rushed."

Police said a number of the claims made by the women had been brought to their attention after the conviction in March of Chetham choirmaster Michael Brewer.

Brewer, a former National Youth Choir music director, and his ex-wife Kay were found guilty on five counts of indecently assaulting his student Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago.

During the trial, Ms Andrade, 48, was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Brewer at Manchester Crown Court. She killed herself.

DCI Daniels said: "I want to reassure the public that I am absolutely committed to getting justice for these women, many of whom have been spurred on by the bravery shown by Frances Andrade in the case against former teacher Michael Brewer.

"I also want to reassure everybody that where we have identified immediate safeguarding concerns the appropriate steps have been taken in partnership with other organisations.

"Chetham's and other establishments have, and continue to provide help and support at what is clearly a very difficult time for their respective staff and pupils."

Police said as part of the investigation a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains on police bail pending further enquiries.

Meanwhile, Surrey Police confirmed it had been contacted by the Yehudi Menuhin School following "allegations of historic sexual abuse against a member of staff who is now deceased".

It said in a statement: "The force is liaising with the school and would encourage anyone with concerns to contact us.

"Surrey Police treats any allegation of this nature seriously and have officers who are specially trained to support victims of sexual assault."

:: Anyone with information regarding Chetham's is asked to call the GMP incident room on 0161 856 6777.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Queen's Speech: Immigration Curbs Dominate

New measures to tackle immigration were among the Government's priorities outlined in this year's Queen's Speech.

In its legislative programme for the year ahead, the coalition also set out plans to cap bills for social care, introduce a flat-rate pension, cut the regulation burden on small businesses and extend consumer rights.

At the heart of the Government's agenda, a new Immigration Bill was unveiled to regulate migrant access to the NHS as well as introduce stiffer fines on businesses which exploit illegal labour.

Foreign criminals and illegal immigrants also face a crackdown with a new bill making it easier to deport them - including powers to prevent the abuse of human rights laws.

The Queen told MPs and peers that the bill will aim to "ensure that this country attracts people who will contribute and deter those who will not".

The Queen travels to the Houses of Parliament

Meanwhile, a £72,000 cap will be introduced from 2016 on the amount people in England have to pay for social care, to end a situation where pensioners have to sell their homes to pay for care in their final years.

And millions of people caring for elderly and disabled relatives in England will be given the right to receive support from their local councils.

A Pensions Bill will introduce a single-tier pension, worth around £144 a week at today's prices, and will bring forward to 2026 the date at which the retirement age rises to 67.

And consumers are to receive greater protection when using offshore gambling sites with new measures to ensure all operators in the local market hold a UK licence.

Amid all the traditional pomp and ceremony in the House of Lords, Her Majesty made clear that the Government's "first priority" remains restoring Britain's economic health, something which cannot simply be legislated for.

David Cameron and Ed Miliband walk towards the House of Lords

She announced paving legislation for further necessary measures for the £33bn construction of the high-speed rail link between London, Birmingham and the north of England, keeping the controversial project on track. 

Businesses will be assisted through a bill to create a £2,000 annual employment allowance to reduce National Insurance bills for every company and charity.

And a Deregulation Bill will aim to reduce the burden of excessive red tape on business, public bodies and individuals by repealing legislation that is no longer of practical use, and placing a duty on regulators to have regard to the impact of their actions on growth.

Self-employed people whose work activities pose no potential risk of harm to others will be exempted from health and safety law.

The Queen also said the Government would protect the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination as she opened the new session of Parliament.

The Queen reads the speech with Prince Charles looking on

Measures to reduce crime and disorder will include tougher controls on dogs which are dangerously out of control, a new "community trigger" to ensure action is taken on persistent anti-social behaviour, larger fines for illegal importation of firearms and making forced marriage a criminal offence.

Meanwhile, there will be new measures to encourage the rehabilitation of prisoners after they leave jail.

Plans to make it easier for victims of asbestos-related cancer to claim compensation were also unveiled.

But the Queen's Speech, which featured 20 bills, including some in draft form or carried over from the previous session, was also notable for what was omitted - such as the so-called snoopers' charter to monitor internet and social media use, opposed by the Liberal Democrats, and any further moves on an EU referendum in the wake of the success of UKIP at last week's local elections.

Sky News Political Editor Adam Boulton said the failure to do any more about the referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union would pile yet more pressure on the Prime Minister to act from his eurosceptic backbenchers.   

The Queen smiles as she leaves after the State Opening of Parliament

There was also no place for mooted health protection measures to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes and minimum unit prices for alcohol - although Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt earlier insisted that no final decision had been made to kill off the proposals.

Mr Hunt told Sky News that no decision over introducing the plans had been made yet, adding: "We don't want to do something that is damaging to industry unless it's going to have those health benefits."

In an introduction to their legislative agenda, Prime David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said the Queen's Speech was "all about backing people who work hard and want to get on in life".

They said: "In May 2010, we came together to govern in the national interest. We knew the road ahead would be tough and so it has proved to be.

"But three years on, our resolve to turn our country around has never been stronger. We know that Britain can be great again because we've got the people to do it. Today's Queen's Speech shows that we will back them every step of the way."

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrive back at Buckingham Palace afterwards

But Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "Today's Queen's Speech should respond to the deep problems the country faces. On the evidence so far, it is not up to the scale of the task."

Unions also attacked the speech. Public and Commercial Services union general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "With its policies causing untold damage to our economy and our communities, it is shameful of the Government to try to stoke up even more fear and suspicion of migrants.

"This is not so much 'dog whistle' politics, more a shrill and desperate cry to satisfy the extremes of the Tory Party."

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis added: "There is little comfort in this programme for the young, the unemployed, the working poor, the sick, the vulnerable or the millions who have seen their living standards fall drastically since this coalition Government came to power."

It was the first time in 17 years that the Prince of Wales attended the State Opening of Parliament, in a move indicating his growing role supporting the Queen in her official duties.

Charles has previously accompanied the Queen to the occasion at the Palace of Westminster 11 times, but not since 1996.

His appearance, together with the Duchess of Cornwall, comes after it was announced that the Queen will miss the Commonwealth summit later this year for the first time in 40 years as part of a review of her long-haul travel.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Alex Ferguson Retires As Man Utd Manager

Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring as manager of Manchester United, the club has confirmed.

The manager, who has been at the club for 26 years, said in a statement: "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time.

"It was important to me to leave an organisation in the strongest possible shape, and I believe I have done so."

The Scotsman secured his 13th Premier League title with Manchester United two weeks ago and is the most successful manager in British football history.

The deal to appoint a successor has already been done and approved by the club's board, understands Sky News City Editor Mark Kleinman.

An announcement is expected within days, with Sky sources saying Everton boss David Moyes is in "pole position" to get the job.

Ferguson, 71, will stay at Manchester United as a director and an ambassador, but now has just two games left with the famous club.

His final game, away to West Brom on May 19, will be his 1,500th in charge.

"With these activities, along with my many other interests, I am looking forward to the future," said Ferguson.

"I must pay tribute to my family, their love and support has been essential."

Sir Alex's first European Cup was the famous last gasp win in 1999

The success of the club would continue without him, said Ferguson, who had a stand at Old Trafford named in his honour in 2011.

"The quality of this league winning squad, and the balance of ages within it, bodes well for continued success at the highest level ... the long-term future of the club remains a bright one," said Ferguson.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore told Sky News the Scot was a "constant professional" who was bowing out on a high.

"In some ways it's a shock, in some ways the timing couldn't be better," he said.

FA chairman David Bernstein hailed Sir Alex's tenure as "truly remarkable".

"He is genuinely one of the greatest managers of all time and certainly of the modern era. His contribution to English football has been outstanding in every regard," said Mr Bernstein.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, also joined in the tributes and tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team #AVFC".

Everton Boss David Moyes is in "pole position" to take over at Old Trafford

The "foundations of the Premiership have shaken this morning", said Sky News Sports Correspondent Paul Kelso.

"Fergie steps aside as the greatest figure in football management - there'll be a very long queue of managers seeking to replace him."

Old Trafford bosses may be wary of bringing in a "restless manager" like Jose Mourinho, said Kelso - despite his impressive track record.

A manager like David Moyes, who is seen to have "over-achieved" at Everton, is looking like the more likely choice.

"Crucially, if he (Moyes) has Sir Alex Ferguson's blessing, it will buy him time with the fans to prove he's a worthy successor," said Kelso.

Former and current players have also been praising Sir Alex's achievements and having their say on who should fill his boots.

"You have to be a certain manager to manage Manchester United," former United player Paul Ince told Sky News.

"It's very important the next man is the right man."

Michael Owen, who is himself retiring at the end of the season, tweeted: "What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes."

The share price is shown up until the day before Sir Alex's announcement

But former United keeper Peter Schmeichel said Sir Alex should have stayed on a bit longer.

"(I'm) shocked, disappointed and very sad," he told Sky News. "I was hoping it was a couple of years down the line."

The Danish player, who was with the club for most of the 90s, said Ferguson was an inspirational leader who always had time for him, and the best manager the game had ever seen.

Cristiano Ronaldo simply tweeted a picture of himself with the manager, along with the words: "Thanks for everything, Boss."

The announcement, which comes just a day after back page speculation, may be a cause of concern for some Manchester United investors. It means there will soon be a new chief executive and manager in place at Old Trafford.

When David Gill confirmed he would quit as CEO in June, it sparked a deterioration in share price.

Manchester United shares opened 4.74% down following news of Ferguson's departure, effectively wiping nearly £95m off the club's value.

Sir Alex, who was born in Glasgow and began his managerial career in 1974, enjoyed success with St Mirren and Aberdeen before moving to England.

He won 49 trophies during his career - his haul with Manchester United including five FA Cups, four league cups and two famous Champions League titles, in 1999 and 2008.

However, the manager's quest for a coveted third European title ended this season with a 3-2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Alex Ferguson Retires: Moyes 'Favourite'

Everton's David Moyes is close to being confirmed as the new Manchester United manager in the next few days, Sky sources say.

It comes after current Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who is one of the most successful managers of all time, announced he will retire at the end of the season.

The 71-year-old guided United to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns in 26 years in charge at the club.

Moyes, who shares Ferguson's Scottish working-class roots, is the odds-on favourite to succeed him, according to Sky Bet.

The Everton manager, 50, has built a steady career in over a decade at the Merseyside club.

The manager, who is out of contract in the summer, has excelled at over-achieving on a limited budget, rather than managing a large squad of superstar players.

He once said of Sir Alex: "He is someone all the football managers look up to, they all respect him.

"Even when he's fighting them, he still has the humility to have a drink with them at the end of the game. And he still has the dignity to phone them if they are sacked or out of work. There's a lot of that from his Glasgow roots."

Mourinho is among the other contenders who may take over at Old Trafford

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has also been heavily backed for the job. He is second favourite, according to Sky Bet.

Both Moyes and ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho are known for having strong relationships with Ferguson, who will become a club director and ambassador after his last match in charge against West Brom on May 19.

Moyes has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford and further afield due to his achievements at Goodison Park. However, he has no experience in the lucrative Champions League comparable to Mourinho.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel believes Moyes would be a good fit as a successor as he has proved he can stay at one club for a long time, spending 10 years at Everton.

He told Sky: "What we are looking for is not someone to come in 10 months or three years, we want someone to come stay there and give stability.

"When we talk about Moyes, he has been a decade at Everton and done a fantastic job on limited funds.

"Is he cut from the same cloth? I don't know. Don't forget there will be major changes with (chief executive) David Gill stepping down - the club is really changing in the summer, the more stability they can add the better.

"David Moyes, he sounds like a good solution."

Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen said he would choose the Everton boss.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still hugely popular among United fans

Owen, the former Liverpool striker who played under Sir Alex for two seasons, said on Twitter: "What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes."

Among the other contenders are Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who scored in the last-gasp finale to snatch victory when defeat had seemed inevitable in the 1999 Champions League final, and is still hugely popular among United fans.

The Norwegian former supersub has made a successful start to his managerial career at Molde but lacks experience at United's level.

Mourinho's conqueror in the Champions League, Jurgen Klopp, has made a big impression while steering Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final.

His swashbuckling style of play, coupled with his engaging and eccentric manner in post-match interviews would make him a colourful addition to the Premier League.

Another outsider is Laurent Blanc, who had a brief stint with the Red Devils at the end of his illustrious career.

He has won the French league title at Bordeaux, then stabilised a France team that collapsed into chaos at the last World Cup before stepping down following their quarter-final loss to Spain at Euro 2012.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tia Sharp: CCTV Taken Hours Before She Died

CCTV pictures which show Tia Sharp together with Stuart Hazell have been played to a jury at the Old Bailey.

Jurors were shown the clips of Hazell and Tia after they met at a train station on the afternoon of August 2.

They included footage of the pair walking along a platform after getting off a tram at Gravel Hill station, shopping in a branch of the Co-op supermarket and travelling on a T31 bus.

The pair were also pictured together on a T31 bus

Tia's mother Natalie Sharp looked on tearfully from the public gallery as the clips were shown.

Hazell, who is accused of the schoolgirl's murder, was the boyfriend of Christine Bicknell - Tia's grandmother - when the 12-year-old went missing.

Jurors at the Old Bailey were also read a statement by Ms Bicknell, in which she described how the schoolgirl "idolised" Hazell.

Tia loved Hazell "to pieces", the court heard

Hazell was also described as "no ogre", according to a statement from her grandmother read in court.

The statement said: "When Tia went missing it didn't cross my mind that she could be dead. I always thought she was coming home. It didn't cross my mind that he would hurt her. He loved Tia, she idolised him.

"I love Stuart with all my heart, he was my world, but my grandchildren always came first.

"Tia will ask Stuart if she can stay for the weekend before she asks me. The majority of the time he has her more than what I do. She is his cling-on."

Hazell, 37, of New Addington, south London, is charged with killing the girl between August 2 and 10 last year.

Her body was found in the loft of her grandmother's house a week after she went missing.

Ms Bicknell said all her grandchildren "loved him to pieces".

She said she had thought back over her relationship and had not noticed any particular changes, nor had any worries about Hazell being around Tia.

The hunt for Tia lasted more than a week

Her statement said Hazell was not somebody she "dragged in from the street", but had had a relationship with him for more than five years. 

"Tia was not the sort of girl you could groom," she said. "She was a mouthy 12-year-old - you couldn't force her to do anything. 

"She is a mini Natalie (Tia's mother), which is a mini me."

She added: "I knew nothing about her death. If I knew, he could be dead - I would be inside because I would have killed him. I found out the same time as everybody else, that Friday. I didn't know anything."

Ms Bicknell said that Hazell would get "argumentative" after drinking vodka, but that she had told him not to consume it in the house. He would, however, drink lager and smoke two cannabis joints per day.

Hazell, who had previously dated Tia's mother, moved in with Ms Bicknell a week after their relationship started in 2007, the court heard.

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sir Alex Ferguson Retires: Tributes Flood In

While Sir Alex Ferguson's 26-year reign was by the pitch, retirement tributes have come from across the world of sport, politics and showbusiness.

Little did US-based TV presenter Piers Morgan know, when he tweeted last night, "Please God, on behalf of all Arsenal fans, let this Fergie rumour be true", that the Scotsman  would soon become the major trending topic on Twitter.

Within minutes of the Manchester United press office statement on Wednesday confirming Sir Alex's departure, six of the top slots on Twitter trending topics worldwide related to the news.

For a while, two of those were in Russian - Манчестер Юнайтед (Manchester United) and Алекс Фергюсон (Alex Ferguson).

News soon travelled to Westminster, where politicians of all persuasions were preparing for the Queen's State Opening of Parliament.

Aston Villa-supporter David Cameron led the political tributes.

The Prime Minister tweeted: "Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement at #MUFC has been exceptional. Hopefully his retirement will make life a little easier for my team #AVFC"

Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband used the resignation of the man who was crowned Manager of the Year 10 times, to promote the Labour Party. His tribute, however, sounded almost like an obituary.

"Proud man. Great manager. Staunch Labour Party supporter. Sir Alex Ferguson will never be forgotten," Mr Miliband tweeted.

Lord Prescott went further on the political theme for Ferguson, who according to the Sunday Times Rich List is Britain's wealthiest manager with a personal fortune of £34m.

He tweeted: "#thankyousiralex for helping the reds in football and politics. Legend."

Closer to home, former Man Utd player Michael Owen helped lead the way with questions on who will succeed English football's most successful boss.

Owen tweeted: "What an act to follow. I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I'd go for Moyes.

"I was adamant he'd do another year or two. Delighted that he has gone on his terms. Lifting the Trophy next week will be the perfect ending."

Meanwhile, TV presenter and Manchester United supporter Angus Deayton spoke of Ferguson's sheer skill - on and off the pitch.

"It's a hard act to follow. He is the sort of person who could have succeeded in any career," Deayton told Sky News.

"He also seems to be very well-connected and know everyone in the world of politics, horseracing, sport and wine. He is the Renaissance man."

And a fellow Man Utd fan, Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan, appeared in shock at the departure.

Monaghan tweeted: "Absolute. SHOCK. Reeling from the #fergieretires #fergie news.

"Most successful football manager of all time. The legend. United march on."

But perhaps one of the most poignant messages was from a colleague.

Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen told Sky News: "He has been absolutely fantastic for this club.

"I hope all the fans, whoever comes in, give the same support as they gave Sir Alex."

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More

Prestatyn Fire: Killer Arsonist Given Life

Melanie Smith will serve a minimum of 30 years after being sentenced to life for the murder of a family of five who died during a house fire in Prestatyn, Wales.

Smith was today described as "despicable" by the family's relatives.

Lee-Anna Shiers, 20, her four-year-old nephew, Bailey, and two-year-old niece, Skye, died in the arson attack at their home on October 19, 2012.

Firefighters managed to get Ms Shiers' 15-month-old son Charlie and his father Liam Timbrell, 23, from the first-floor flat, but they died later in hospital.

Lee-Anna Shiers died with nephew Bailey Allen, four, and Skye Allen, two

Steve Allen, the father of Bailey and Skye, told a press conference after the court hearing today that he had been looking forward to seeing them grow up.

"Instead, one despicable person has taken them away," he said. He added: "Nothing will ever bring any of our family back to us, but Melanie Smith will now be given what she deserves.

"Today is the next step towards grieving for our family. It still doesn't feel real".

Liam Timbrell, 23, also died in the fire

Smith, 43, lived in the flat below the victims. Prosecutors say she deliberately set fire to a pushchair because she was angry that Ms Shiers had left it in their shared hallway.

The court was told she carried out the "terrible and wicked deed" because she was "drunk and angry", disillusioned with her boyfriend, very unhappy in her flat and jealous of the woman who lived upstairs.

During the trial, the court heard a harrowing 999 call made by Mr Timbrell from the burning building, during which he was heard shouting: "Oh my God, oh my God! We're going to die."

The jury also heard that Mr Timbrell told paramedics that "it was arson" and "it was Mel from downstairs".

Smith had also made threats to "burn down" a love rival's home.

Samantha Schofield told the court that Smith had threatened to start a fire at her home as she wrongly believed Miss Schofield, the mother of two young boys, was having an affair with her partner Steve Clarkson.

During the trial, Smith claimed 21 witnesses who gave evidence against her were "lying".

In addition to five counts of murder, Smith was also convicted of one count of making threats of arson. 

23.15 | 0 komentar | Read More