Three sentenced for manslaughter of Sheila Jackson and Eric Greeener in St Helens

We are welcoming the sentencing of three people following the manslaughter of St Helens couple Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson last year.

At around 12.40am on Tuesday 15 July 2025, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) contacted us to report that a house fire was in progress on South John Street. Emergency services attended the scene and two occupants were rescued from inside the home and taken to hospital for treatment.

Sadly, Eric, aged 77, and his partner Sheila, aged 83, both died from their injuries. Following a five-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court, the following people were found guilty on Tuesday 17 February 2026, and were sentenced today as follows:

Kevin Weetman (left), 34, of Croxteth Drive, Aigburth was convicted of Manslaughter and Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to Life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 25 years.

Kylie Maynard (centre), 37, of Rydal Street, Everton was convicted of Manslaughter and Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Lee Owens (right), 46, of no fixed address pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison.

A fourth defendant, Paul 'Smigger' Smith, 40, was found dead later that month. An investigation into the death of Smith remains ongoing at the time of writing.

Following the trial, Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: "The events of last July were absolutely tragic, and this impact has undoubtedly been worsened by the ordeal of a full trial.

“Eric and Sheila were a well-loved couple in the St Helens community. Despite having no connections to the dispute which had arisen, Eric and Sheila found themselves trapped at home as Owens and Smith launched their fatal arson attack. The fear and suffering they must have suffered during these moments are difficult to comprehend, but it has been laid bare by this trial.

“While the devastation caused to the family and friends of Eric and Sheila cannot be overstated, today at least brings the investigation to a positive conclusion. We dearly hope that this outcome brings some sense of justice having been served, and helps them move forward in their grief and healing.

“Weetman has been proven to have orchestrated the fatal attack on the home of Eric and Sheila, and whether he knew who was inside or not, to set a house on fire puts the lives of anyone in the vicinity at risk. It was a calculated attempt to cause serious harm, and the evidence demonstrated that Weetman simply did not care whose life he endangered. In their willingness to assist Weetman in this enterprise, Maynard and Owens carry their own weight of responsibility with them to jail.

“I'd like to thank Eric and Sheila's family for their grace, patience and dignity throughout. I'd also like to thank Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service for their immense bravery on the night of the incident, and to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in working so diligently alongside our investigation team to ensure that the best possible case was put forward.”