Woman appears in court over gas explosion that killed two-year-old toddler
Sharron Greenham and her husband have been charged with manslaughter
A woman has appeared in court charged with the unlawful killing of a two-year-old neighbour.
Husband and wife Darren and Sharron Greenham are accused of the manslaughter of George Arthur Hinds, who died in a gas explosion at his Lancashire home in May.
In a brief hearing, Sharron Greenham did not indicate a plea to the allegation as the matter was sent to Preston Crown Court. She is also accused of the theft of gas.
Her husband, Darren Greenham, 44, faces the same allegations and is due to appear before the city's magistrates on January 26.
Toddler George Arthur Hinds died in a house explosion in Heysham, Lancashire. It was later found the gas supply had been tampered with.
George’s parents were also injured in the blast, although thankfully not seriously.
A gas pipe in the property next door had been cut
Police were called to Mallowdale Avenue at about 2.40am on Sunday, May 16th 2021, where they found two houses collapsed with serious damage to a third property.
Police said a criminal investigation assisted by gas experts had identified the cause of the explosion as a gas pipe which had been cut in the property next door, 20 Mallowdale Avenue.
Lancaster Husband and wife 44 year old Darren and 51 year old Sharron Greenham have been charged with manslaughter whilst a third man, 54 year old Paul marsh who lives in Heysham has been charged with theft and damage
Mrs Greenham appeared in the courtroom today and was told she’ll have to go to Crown Court next month. She’s been bailed to an address in Lancaster and banned from going into Heysham.
Her husband Mr. Greenham wasn’t able to appear so he will make his first appearance later this month.
Mr. Greenham will remain in custody until then.
Mr. Marsh will go to crown court in February. He’s been bailed to his house in Heysham and must not make any contact the Greenham's.
Following the explosion, Conservative David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) described the "heartbreaking'' scene of the explosion to the Commons and said he "wasn't prepared'' for what he saw.
MPs heard that toys and belongings were "strewn all over the street'' in the aftermath of a suspected gas explosion which killed a toddler.
In a tribute issued after George's death, his parents, Vicky and Stephen, said: "We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful George.
"He was so precious to us.
"We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened.
"Our beautiful little angel grew his wings today."