Understand
Inquest hears murdered children were 'petrified' by attacks on their home before fatal petrol bomb
Overview
An inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court has heard that four children and their mother were subjected to escalating attacks before a fatal petrol bomb destroyed their home in Walkden, Greater Manchester, in December 2017. Demi Pearson, 15, Brandon, eight, Lacie, seven, and Lia, three, died in the attack, while their mother Michelle suffered severe burns and died 20 months later in August 2019. Relatives told the hearing that the family felt unsafe, wanted to move, and believed the deaths were preventable, highlighting missed opportunities by police and housing authorities. Zak Bolland and David Worrall were previously jailed for life for the murders, while Courtney Brierley was convicted of manslaughter.
Key points
- Four Pearson children died in a petrol bomb attack at their Walkden home in December 2017, and their mother Michelle died 20 months later in August 2019 from severe burns.
- The inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court heard that the family had been 'petrified' by previous incidents, including windows being smashed with a hammer.
- Relatives stated that Michelle had reported safety fears to the police on five occasions and sought emergency housing from her social landlord, but felt ignored.
- Zak Bolland and David Worrall were jailed for life in 2018 for the children's murders and later convicted of Michelle's murder, while Courtney Brierley was jailed for manslaughter.
- The senior coroner stated the inquest will examine whether there was a predictable threat to life and what might have been done to prevent the deaths.