Jurors consider verdict in the trial of the man accused of arson attack which killed Francesca Bimpson


JURORS have today retired to consider their verdict in the trial of a man accused of starting an arson attack which killed a three-year-old girl.

Graham Heaps, 44, is alleged to have poured petrol through the letter box of Francesca Bimpson's home and turned it into an inferno.

The toddler suffered 85% burns and died in hospital three weeks later.

Heaps, formerly of Conwy Drive, Everton, but now of Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, south Wales, denies murder on December 2, 2008.

He insists he had simply been walking close to the Norwood Grove house, Everton, at midnight when he heard screaming.

The pub handyman claims he ran into the property to try and help and has no further memories until waking up in hospital.

But prosecutors say "bitter" Heaps started the devastating blaze in a jealous rage after Francesca's aunt Linda Skelhorne ended their relationship.

Following just short of three weeks of evidence, Liverpool Crown Court jurors retired to begin their deliberations at 12.30pm today.



THE ECHO