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11/09/2007
Grandmother Cleared Over Child Dog Attack Death
The grandmother of five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson, who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier on New Year's Day, has been cleared of her manslaughter.
Jacqueline Simpson, 45, had been looking after Ellie at her home in St Helens in Merseyside at the time of the attack.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that the dog, which belonged to Ellie's uncle Kiel Simpson, had been allowed into the house by Mrs Simpson on the night Ellie died.
It attacked the five-year-old, inflicting 72 injuries, before it was shot dead by police.
The court heard how Mrs Simpson had drunk two bottles of wine and smoked ten cannabis joints on the night of the attack.
Speaking to the jury, Mr Justice Royce, said: "This is an unusual case which had given rise to very strong emotions.
"Suffice to say, the greatest sentence passed in this case is a life sentence of regret this lady has passed on herself."
Mrs Simpson was also charged with possession of heroin, which was found during a search of her home following Ellie's death.
Kiel Simpson, 24, was jailed for eight weeks in May after he pleaded guilty to owning a dog banned under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act,
(KMcA)
Jacqueline Simpson, 45, had been looking after Ellie at her home in St Helens in Merseyside at the time of the attack.
During the trial at Liverpool Crown Court, it was revealed that the dog, which belonged to Ellie's uncle Kiel Simpson, had been allowed into the house by Mrs Simpson on the night Ellie died.
It attacked the five-year-old, inflicting 72 injuries, before it was shot dead by police.
The court heard how Mrs Simpson had drunk two bottles of wine and smoked ten cannabis joints on the night of the attack.
Speaking to the jury, Mr Justice Royce, said: "This is an unusual case which had given rise to very strong emotions.
"Suffice to say, the greatest sentence passed in this case is a life sentence of regret this lady has passed on herself."
Mrs Simpson was also charged with possession of heroin, which was found during a search of her home following Ellie's death.
Kiel Simpson, 24, was jailed for eight weeks in May after he pleaded guilty to owning a dog banned under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act,
(KMcA)
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16 May 2007
Uncle jailed for owning killer dog
The uncle of a girl who died after being mauled by his dog has been jailed for eight weeks. Kiel Simpson, 23, had pleaded guilty to owning a pit bull - banned under the Dangerous Dog Act - last month.
Uncle jailed for owning killer dog
The uncle of a girl who died after being mauled by his dog has been jailed for eight weeks. Kiel Simpson, 23, had pleaded guilty to owning a pit bull - banned under the Dangerous Dog Act - last month.
02 January 2007
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
Investigation continues into dog attack
Police are continuing an investigation into a dog attack in Merseyside, which killed a five-year-old girl. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the pitbull terrier-type dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in Knowles House Avenue, Eccleston, St Helens, in the early hours of January 1.
25 April 2007
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
Uncle pleads guilty to owning killer dog
The uncle of a five-year-old girl who was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier has pleaded guilty to owning a dangerous dog. Ellie Lawrenson died after being attacked by the dog at her grandmother, Jacqueline Simpson's home in St Helens, Merseyside, in the early hours of New Year's Day. She suffered fatal head and neck injuries in the attack.
03 April 2007
Relative charged over dog maul death girl
The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was attacked and killed by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been charged with her manslaughter. Ellie Lawrenson suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack at the home of Jacqueline Simpson, 46, in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Relative charged over dog maul death girl
The grandmother of a five-year-old girl who was attacked and killed by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been charged with her manslaughter. Ellie Lawrenson suffered severe head and neck injuries in the attack at the home of Jacqueline Simpson, 46, in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
11 January 2007
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Funeral for girl mauled by pit bull
The funeral of the five-year-old girl who died after being attacked by a pit bull terrier-type dog has been held today. Ellie Lawrenson suffered fatal injuries when the dog attacked her at her grandmother's home in St Helens, Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
