08/12/2009

Man Jailed Over Girl's Fire Death

A man who killed a three-year-old girl in an arson attack on her own home has been jailed for a minimum of 28 years.

Graham Heaps, 44, from Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, South Wales, set fire to house Everton last December, after pouring petrol through the letterbox.

Francesca Bimpson suffered burns in the attack and died in hospital three weeks later.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how Heaps had torched the house because of the break-up of his relationship with the girl's aunt.

Francesca's mother suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation in the fire, while her father injured his leg jumping from the first-floor window of the house.

The child's 14-year-old brother and two sisters, aged eight and 17 months, were all treated for the effects of smoke.

See: Horror Blaze Inquest To Conclude

(KMcA/BMcC)

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