Arsonist killed innocent grandad after setting fire to wrong house as a 'warning' over drug row
17.07.2023 - 15:43
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Two men have admitted manslaughter after a beloved grandad died in a fire.
George Redmond, aged 76, was killed, after his house on Dorien Road in Old Swan, Liverpool, was set alight in the early hours of September 1 last year. Liverpool Crown Court heard today, Monday, that the arsonists "targeted the wrong house" in what was intended as a "retaliatory attack".
Fraser Dolman, of Richmond Drive in Leigh, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and conspiracy to commit arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered in connection with the incident while appearing in the dock this morning. The 37-year-old, who wore a white t-shirt and sported a shaved head, previously admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, the Liverpool Echo reports.
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Alongside him was James Goulding, of Dentons Green Lane in St Helens. The counts of manslaughter and arson he had faced were ordered to lie on the file and will not be proceeded, with the 26-year-old - who wore a white shirt and light grey tie - having previously pleaded guilty to the drugs offences.
Wayne Hepburn, of Kingsley Avenue in Salford, admitted manslaughter during a hearing before the same court on June 23. The 47-year-old also pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Henry Riding, prosecuting, told the court on Monday: "This appears to have been an arson attack because of some drugs problem. They were not intending to burn down the house of the occupant.
"It was a warning of some description, a retaliatory attack as far as the supposed occupants were concerned. Mr Hepburn, in effect, targeted the wrong house."
All three men will be sentenced this