Wirral man denies murdering his grandmother



A WIRRAL man accused of murdering his grandmother, who died following a blaze at her home, today denied the allegations.
Stephen Hampson was arrested shortly after the blaze broke out at Mary Woolley's terraced home in Tulip Avenue, Birkenhead, in the early hours of April 8 this year.

The 71-year-old, known as May, was found unconscious in the first floor rear bedroom by a fireman, wearing breathing apparatus, who had battled against thick black smoke to find her.

She was taken to Arrowe Park Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, but died the following day.

Hampson, 26, of Alverstone Avenue, Birkenhead, today pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to murder.

He also denied a charge of arson with intent to endanger life.

Hampson, who appeared by via video link equipment from Walton jail, was further remanded in custody to await his trial beginning on October 26.

THE WIRRAL NEWS