A suspected killer is set to stand trial later this year after a granddad died following an arson attack on his home.
George Redmond died after his house on Dorien Road in Old Swan was set on fire in the early hours of September 1 last year. Three men have since been charged in connection with the incident, with a hearing having taken place at Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Friday, in the relation to the case.
Wayne Hepburn is charged 76-year-old Mr Redmond's manslaughter. The 46-year-old, of no fixed address, also faces a count of conspiracy to commit arson.
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Fraser Dolman - aged 37 and of Richmond Drive in Leigh - has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson and supplying heroin and crack cocaine. James Goulding, 26, of Dentons Green Lane in St Helens, is similarly charged with these same counts.
All three men are now scheduled to face a trial over the course of two weeks beginning on July 17, with no pleas having yet been entered. They will next appear before the same court on April 14, and were remanded into custody until this date by the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC.
Mr Redmond was previously reported to have fallen inside the property as he and his wife Mary attempted to flee the blaze, which broke out shortly after 3.15am. Paramedics rushed the pensioner to hospital, having suffered smoke inhalation and other injuries.
He died more than two weeks later on September 16.
In a statement released shortly after his death, Mr Redmond's family said: "With extreme sadness, we announce the death of a lovely husband, dad and granddad, George Redmond, who died suddenly on September 16 in hospital. He was making great progress in his rehabilitation and was already mobile and regaining his independence, so his sudden death was unexpected and utterly tragic and we as a family are absolutely struggling to come to terms with it all.
"We are beyond heartbroken and hope whoever is responsible for this appalling act is swiftly brought to justice. George leaves behind his much-loved wife Mary, to whom he was married for 52 amazing years, and three much-loved daughters - Kathryn, Karyn and Angela - as well as six grandchildren and not forgetting Belle, his beloved cockapoo.
"We will love and miss him forever, and hope there is a steady supply of custard creams wherever he is now. Rest peacefully George."
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