Full Breakdown
Arson Attack Leads to Manslaughter Convictions of Drug Dealers
2/19/2026, 10:59:08 PM
Overview of the Incident
On July 15, 2022, an arson attack at a home in St Helens, Merseyside, resulted in the deaths of 83-year-old Sheila Jackson and 77-year-old Eric Greener. The intended target of the attack was George Jackson, Sheila's son, who had left the property shortly before the fire was set. The perpetrators, drug dealers Kevin Weetman, 34, Kylie Maynard, 37, and Lee Owens, 46, were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter.
Background & Context
The incident stemmed from a drug-related dispute. George Jackson had previously declined offers from Weetman to sell drugs, which led to tensions. Weetman, seeking to avoid a loss of "face" in the drug world, orchestrated the attack as a form of retaliation. He recruited Owens and Paul Smith, who later died from a drug overdose, to carry out the arson.
Key Figures Involved
- Kevin Weetman: The mastermind behind the arson, described as a dangerous individual with a history of violent crime.
- Kylie Maynard: Weetman's associate, who was involved in the drug trade and denied passing on instructions for the arson.
- Lee Owens: Admitted to manslaughter but claimed he did not intend to harm anyone, asserting he believed the house was empty.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the prosecution presented evidence that Weetman had ordered the attack to instill fear and assert control over his drug dealings. After nearly 12 hours of deliberation, the jury cleared Weetman, Maynard, and Owens of murder but found Weetman and Maynard guilty of manslaughter. Owens had already pleaded guilty to the charge.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Nigel Power described the attack as a "calculated attempt to cause serious harm," emphasizing the disregard for human life shown by the defendants. Judge Mr. Justice Jay remarked on Weetman's dangerousness, indicating that he qualified for a discretionary life sentence due to the severity of the crime.
Criticism & Opposition
The family of Sheila Jackson and Eric Greener expressed outrage at the defendants' behavior during the trial, noting that they laughed and joked in court after being cleared of murder. They described the attack as "unforgivable" and emphasized the profound loss felt by their family.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mr Weetman resolved to take action to prevent a loss of 'face' - 'face' is all important in the drug world - and set in motion a plan to kill or at least cause really seriously harm to George Jackson by setting fire to his house in the middle of the night.” — Nigel Power, KC
- “I'm a drug dealer, not a killer. I don't set fire to people's houses. I don't go to where old people live.” — Kevin Weetman
- “Absolutely devastated, heartbroken. Two innocent old people have died. I wish I could just turn back time.” — Lee Owens
What's Next
Weetman, Maynard, and Owens are scheduled for sentencing, with potential prison terms expected to reflect the gravity of their actions. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of drug-related violence and the collateral damage it can inflict on innocent lives.
