Man denies murdering girl in fire

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/merseyside/8268579.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A man has denied murdering a three-year-old girl who died after a fire at her home in Liverpool.

Francesca Bimpson suffered severe burns in the fire on Norwood Grove, Everton on 2 December 2008 and died in hospital three weeks later.

Graham Heaps, 43, from Newport, south Wales, pleaded not guilty to murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday.

Mr Heaps, of Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, was remanded in custody.

His trial is scheduled to begin on 16 November.

Charges amended

Appearing via video link, Mr Heaps answered an amended indictment in the court.

He was originally charged with murder, five counts of attempted murder, and arson with intent to endanger life.

Francesca's sisters, Anne-Marie, 17 months, and Christina, eight, and 14-year-old brother, Kieron, were treated for the effects of inhaling smoke.

Their mother, Eleanor Skelhorne, 36, suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation.

Francesca's father, Kieron Bimpson, also 36, broke his legs jumping from a first-floor window.