19/03/2013

Jury Hears It's "Possible" Michael Philpott Started Fatal Fire

A jury has heard it is “possible” that Michael Philpott started the fire the killed six of his children.

Mairead Philpott, Michael’s wife and co-accused in the manslaughter trial said her husband could have got up in the night and set the fire without her knowledge, the BBC have reported.

Mr and Mrs Philpott and friend Paul Mosley deny six counts of manslaughter.

Mrs Philpott told the Nottingham Crown Court she had been asleep in the conservatory with her husband on the night of the fire.

She said during cross-examination: "I don't know if he's done it, I don't know who's done it, I was asleep."

Mr Latham asked: "Are you saying there is a possibility your husband set this fire behind your back?"

"I honestly don't know," she replied.

The trial continues.

(H)


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