GMP scrutiny to resume after 98 years minimum sentences for child murderers
Two men have been found guilty of murder after four children died as the result of an ongoing feud the police had been called to the same day.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the events preceding the arson attack was suspended pending the outcome of the criminal trial.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers were called to the house in the hours before the fire in Walkden, Salford, on December 11, 2017.
Zac Bolland, 23, and David Worrall, 25, were convicted at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday (May 24). Bolland’s then girlfriend, Courtney Brierley, 20, has also been found guilty on four counts of manslaughter.
Following a feud between Bolland and Kyle Pearson, 17, the offenders broke a window and threw a petrol gas bomb into the house. A fire quickly spread blocking off the only exit to the ground floor.
Kyle Pearson’s sister’s children, Demi, 15, Brandon, eight, and Lacie, seven, died in the blaze. Lia, aged three, died in hospital three days later.
The jury was told of at least five occasions in the two weeks before the fatal attack when the police were called by the victim’s mother, Michelle Pearson, who has just recovered enough to be told of her children’s deaths.
Bolland had also set Ms Pearson’s wheelie bin alight two days earlier and had threatened to kill her just four hours before setting the house on fire.
Following a police request, a cover for Ms Pearson’s letterbox had been fitted to avoid petrol being poured into the home.
Bolland was also found guilty on three counts of attempting to murder Michelle and Kyle Pearson and one other person who was staying in the house.
Worrall was found guilty of attempted grievous bodily harm of the three people.
Bolland was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison and Worrall a minimum of 37 years. Brierley was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Hughes from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This is one of the most heart-breaking cases I have ever dealt with.
“I am glad that the sentences these three have received today reflect their atrocious acts, but nothing can change what has happened and nothing can bring back the children.
“I would like to commend the bravery of the children’s family. I can’t even begin to imagine what they have been through.
“My thoughts will always be with their mother Michelle, along with their father, brothers and wider family and friends.
“They have all shown a phenomenal amount of strength during the most devastating of circumstances.
“When Bolland, Worrall and Brierley planned their attack, they knew that innocent children were asleep in their beds.
“They smashed the kitchen window and threw their handmade petrol bombs inside. The fire spread so quickly and the heat was so intense that the smoke alarms melted before they had chance to sound. This left the family with virtually no chance of escape.
“Understandably the children’s family will still have questions which we will continue to try and answer.”
GMP referred itself to the IOPC (then the Independent Police Complaints Commission) as a result of the prior contact with Ms Pearson.
The focus of the investigation is GMP’s contact with the occupants of the house and any additional person who was involved in the report to the police.
Steve Noonan, Acting Deputy Director of Major Investigation for the IOPC has previously said: “This is a most tragic incident in which four young lives have been lost, and our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the children who sadly died, and those injured.
“We have carefully assessed the referral from Greater Manchester Police, and as there was prior police contact, feel that it is necessary to independently investigate the circumstances of this incident in relation to the force’s actions.”
