Three individuals have received lengthy prison sentences, including a life sentence for the drug dealer, following an arson attack that resulted in the deaths of an elderly couple in St Helens.
In a tragic case tied to drug-related violence, Kevin Weetman, a 34-year-old drug dealer, has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in an arson attack that killed 83-year-old Sheila Jackson and 77-year-old Eric Greener in St Helens, Merseyside. The attack, which occurred in July 2025, was reportedly aimed at Sheila's son, George Jackson, who lived with the couple and was identified as the intended target due to a dispute over drugs. Alongside Weetman, two accomplices, Kylie Maynard and Lee Owens, were also convicted of manslaughter and received significant prison terms of 23 years and 13 years and six months, respectively.
The court highlighted the profound impact of the crime on the victims' families, revealing a disturbing trend where innocent lives are lost due to criminal activities related to drug disputes. The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the drug trade, particularly how it can spill over into violent acts that affect not only the participants but also vulnerable members of the community.
As authorities continue to tackle drug-related crime, this case underscores the necessity for effective interventions aimed at preventing similar incidents, safeguarding neighborhoods, and addressing the underlying issues of addiction and drug trafficking. The lengthy sentences handed down to those involved reflect the seriousness with which the judicial system views such violent crimes, particularly those that target the elderly and defenseless members of society.
