Court hears from Peveril Street family

A court has heard evidence from the family who live in one of the houses involved in the Demesne Road murder case.

Sheree and Ian Sharman live at Peveril Street, the scene of one of the minor fires.

In the early hours of 22nd March last year their smoke alarm went off, and they discovered their kitchen table was on fire.

Shortly after they, along with Mrs Sharman's then 18 year old son Joe Falconer, noticed fire engines heading towards Clark Street.

The back door to their house was unlocked but the gate to the yard behind the property was shut and difficult to open.

The defence argued that it would be near impossible for an intruder to enter the back yard.

Neighbour Neil Brogan noticed his gate had been opened.

The trial continues tomorrow when the prosecution will focus on the Clark Street fire.

35 year old Simon Paul Leece is accused of starting four fires, one which resulted in the death of Terry Losh in Demesne Road.

He denies one charge of murder and seven arson charges.