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'Bitter' ex 'killed girl' in fire 'Bitter' ex 'killed girl' in fire
(30 minutes later)
A three-year-old girl was killed by her aunt's "bitter" ex-boyfriend who started a fire at her home in Liverpool, a court has heard.A three-year-old girl was killed by her aunt's "bitter" ex-boyfriend who started a fire at her home in Liverpool, a court has heard.
Francesca Bimpson was unable to escape the flames and suffered massive burns, Liverpool Crown Court was told.Francesca Bimpson was unable to escape the flames and suffered massive burns, Liverpool Crown Court was told.
Graham Heaps, 44, the ex-partner of the girl's aunt Linda Skelhorne, is accused of starting the fire in a revenge attack against the family.Graham Heaps, 44, the ex-partner of the girl's aunt Linda Skelhorne, is accused of starting the fire in a revenge attack against the family.
Mr Heaps, of Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, south Wales, denies murder.Mr Heaps, of Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, south Wales, denies murder.
The prosecution claims he poured petrol through the front door of the house in Norwood Grove, Everton, and set it alight while Francesca and her family slept.
'Limp and breathing'
Her father Kieron Bimpson, 37, suffered leg injuries jumping from a first-floor window so he could catch the children as they did the same.
Her mother Eleanor Skelhorne, 37, suffered minor injuries and sisters Anne-Marie, 17 months, Christina, eight, and 14-year-old brother Kieron were treated for the effects of breathing in smoke.
Brian Cummings QC, prosecuting, said four firefighters entered the burning property to search for Francesca and found her "limp and breathing faintly"
She had suffered 85% burns over her body.
He said: "It was always likely that she would die and she did so three weeks later.
"The cause of death was complications as a result of her burns."
It is clear feelings between Heaps and Ms Skelhorne's family started to run high following the breakdown of the relationship Brian Cummings QC, prosecuting
Mr Cummings said the break-up between Mr Heaps and Miss Skelhorne had been difficult and the defendant continued to have feelings for Francesca's aunt.
In the months leading up to the attack on 2 December 2008, Eleanor Skelhorne began receiving abusive and obscene text messages and calls from a mobile phone belonging to Mr Heaps, he told the jury.
"It is clear feelings between Heaps and Ms Skelhorne's family started to run high following the breakdown of the relationship," Mr Cummings said.
Mr Bimpson and his teenage son both became aware of the abusive messages and, in one exchange, Kieron Junior threatened to put a firework through the letterbox of Mr Heaps' then home in Liverpool.
Mr Cummings said Mr Heaps harboured "ill feelings" toward the Bimpson and Skelhorne families.
"He had had a failed relationship with Linda Skelhorne and had sent obscene messages to Eleanor, following which he was threatened by her partner and son," he said.
"We say he intended to kill one or another member of the household or cause them serious injury."
Mr Heaps denies murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter. The trial was adjourned until Tuesday.