VIDEO: Freckleton fire murder trial verdict

Ella and Holly, who died alongside brothers Jordan and Reece

Allen, 19, denied killing Reece Smith, sisters Ella and Holly and brother Jordan at the bungalow on Lytham Road, Freckleton, in January last year.

A jury at Preston Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter on Wednesday.

Emergency services were called to reports of a house fire on Lytham Road just before 11.30pm on January 7, 2012.

Four people, 19-year-old Reece Smith, four-year-old twin girls Holly and Ella Smith and Jordan Smith, aged two, tragically died from smoke inhalation.

A statement from Michelle Smith, the children’s mother, Martin Goulding, Reece’s father and the rest of the family, said: “We are pleased Dyson Allen has been convicted of the manslaughter of our beautiful children Reece, Holly, Ella and Jordan.

“We’ll never know the reason why our children were taken from us but even knowing the answer won’t bring them back.

“He had the chance to explain his actions to the police and the court but he lied from the very beginning.”

The police said the case had been “one of the most tragic” in Lancashire for a number of years.

Det Chief Supt Dermott Horrigan said: “This has been one of the most tragic and significant cases that Lancashire has seen for a number of years which has left a family and a community devastated by their loss.

“Four innocent people died as a result of the actions of this man who has shown no remorse and lied throughout the investigation and court case.

“There were plenty of opportunities for Dyson Allen to admit his guilt yet he persisted with his denial causing the family even further anguish and the ordeal of not only having to sit through a trial but to stand up and give evidence as well.

Photo Ian Robinson
Dyson Allen Freckleton house fire trial verdict press conference outside Preston Crown Court
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Mark Hutton , Paul Dosset, Christine Smith, Andrew Smith and Michelle Smith — Photo Ian Robinson Dyson Allen Freckleton house fire trial verdict press conference outside Preston Crown Court Lancashire Fire and Rescue Mark Hutton , Paul Dosset, Christine Smith, Andrew Smith and Michelle Smith

“Officers from across the force worked tirelessly on what was an incredibly tragic and difficult investigation to bring this case to court. I would also like recognise the bravery of all those friends and associates, of both the family and the defendant, who had the courage to come forward and give evidence which I know was not an easy thing to do.”

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