Man jailed for Manslaughter of West Yorkshire dad and daughter

A burglar will spend 20 years behind bars - for killing a dad and young girl in a fire, while trying to cover his tracks

Daniel Jones (29) from Knottingley will spend 20 years behind bars after being sentenced today (9 November) for causing the deaths of Andrew Broadhead (42) and his eight-year-old daughter Kiera by starting a fire at their Ash Crescent family home on October 19, 2016.

Jones was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court after being found guilty by a jury last month of two charges of manslaughter and one count of burglary.

He received 19 years and six months each for the manslaughter offences and 12 months for the burglary. All sentences are to be served concurrently

The 29-year-old was arrested by police following a major investigation into the fire which shocked residents across Wakefield District and wider West Yorkshire.

It took place after Jones approached the front of the Broadhead's house on Ash Crescent at about 4.20am on Wednesday October 19 and poured petrol through the letter box.

He then set fire to it, causing the blaze which Sara and her 12-year-old daughter were able to escape, but which tragically claimed the lives of Andrew and Kier

13-year-old Mia has paid emotional tributes to her father and little sister

She told the court: "It is too hard to say goodbye to my dad so I say 'if I don't see you through the week, I'll see you in my dreams. I love you daddy'.''

Mia said: My daddy was the world's greatest superhero and he was my hero. I am thankful for his happiness, kindness and his love for everyone - the way he was positive and how he always lifted everybody's spirits.''

Remembering her sister, she said: "My sissy was the world's brightest star and nobody will dull her sparkle. I am thankful for the eight years we had with her - for her kindness, her funniness, her caring for one another and her humour. She didn't deserve this, neither of them did.''

Mia told the court about one of her best memories with her sister - a baked bean fight.

We were made to clean up but we were hysterical,'' she said. ``I love my sissy and miss her so much.''

Mia described how she had suffered nightmares since the fire.

She said: "Every time I tried to sleep upstairs it all came back to me. I started to panic and could hear the sounds of the fire, the smell, the smoke and not being able to breathe.''

Mia said: I am scared of leaving mum alone in case something happens and some girls in school have said things to me which made me feel like I was too scared to go back.''

Mia's mother Sara told the court: I was blessed to have Kiera in my life. My little angel was one of a kind - so independent and thoughtful, helpful and kind.''

Mrs Broadhead said: In her short eight years, Kiera lived life to the full. She never took anything for granted, was always thankful but, most of all, she loved with a huge heart.

The world is going to be a dull place without her smile and laughter and I know she will live on in everyone's hearts and memories.''

Paying tribute to her husband, she said: As well as being an amazing husband, he was also a fantastic father.''

Mrs Broadhead said: I can't say goodbye because that makes it final. Instead I say 'see you in a bit' because one day we will be together again and I will be with my best friend, my soul mate, my world and will love him forever and always.'

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola Bryar of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "The terrible and tragic events of October 19 2016 shocked not only the Stanley community but the whole of West Yorkshire.

“A loving family was left completely devastated by Jones’s actions and it is difficult to imagine the pain Sara, her daughter and the wider family have endured following the deaths of Andrew and Kiera. I am pleased they have seen the man responsible convicted and jailed today.

"It is difficult to know where to start to describe the sheer madness and callousness of Jones's actions in trying to cover up a burglary by setting fire to a family home. It is no exaggeration to say he has left the Broadhead family facing a lifetime of loss.”

Speaking about her daughter Kiera and husband Andy, Sara Broadhead, said: "Andy was an amazing Dad and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He was one of those people who would do anything for anyone and who no-one had a bad word for. I know his colleagues at work adored him and loved his sense of humour.

"Kiera was just one of a kind, really vibrant and loving and so independent. She was very bright and so good with her schoolwork and used to help out the other children when she finished first. She also loved helping her Dad in the garage and was a real tomboy.

"It's impossible to describe what the loss of my husband Andy and my daughter Kiera has done to our family. We feel it each and every day.”

Andy's parents Alan and Jean Broadhead also spoke about their loss. They said: "We will never be the same following the loss of our son and granddaughter. Our family is like a jigsaw with two pieces of the puzzle missing; it just won't go back together.

"Andy was very loving and so was Kiera who was such a lovely little girl. They were a wonderful son and granddaughter who were so close to us and to each other.

"What has taken place will live with us every day and no prison sentence will ever make up for what has been done to us. Part of our hearts are gone forever.