Three people who killed a St Helens couple in a house fire have been jailed.
Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson died from their injuries in hospital following the blaze at the property on South John Street at around 12.40am on July 15 last year.
Kevin Weetman, Kylie Maynard and Lee Owens were all convicted of the pensioners’ manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday (February 17).
A fourth defendant was identified as Paul Smith, a father-of-five who was found dead at his home in Everton just seven days after the incident took place.
The court heard that a dispute over drugs between Smith and Sheila’s son George Jackson, who lived at the address, was behind the early-morning arson attack.
Weetman, 34, from Aigburth, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years for manslaughter and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on Thursday.
Maynard, 37, from Everton, will serve 23 years behind bars for manslaughter and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Owens, 46, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years in prison for his role in the couple’s deaths.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “The events of last July were absolutely tragic, and this impact has undoubtedly been worsened by the ordeal of a full trial.
“Eric and Sheila were a well-loved couple in the St Helens community.
“Despite having no connections to the dispute which had arisen, Eric and Sheila found themselves trapped at home as Owens and Smith launched their fatal arson attack.
“The fear and suffering they must have suffered during these moments are difficult to comprehend, but it has been laid bare by this trial.
“While the devastation caused to the family and friends of Eric and Sheila cannot be overstated, today at least brings the investigation to a positive conclusion.
“We dearly hope that this outcome brings some sense of justice having been served, and helps them move forward in their grief and healing.”