Murdered children 'petrified' by attacks on home, inquest hears

An inquest has revealed that a petrol bomb attack, which tragically resulted in the deaths of four children, followed a period during which the children had been left “petrified” by repeated assaults on their home. The victims were siblings Demi Pearson, aged 15, Brandon, eight, Lacie, seven, and three-year-old Lia. The devastating incident took place in December 2017 at their Jackson Street residence in Walkden, Greater Manchester. Their mother, Michelle Pearson, 37, also suffered severe burns during the attack and later passed away in August 2019.

The inquest, held at Bolton Coroner’s Court and expected to last eight weeks, was informed that Michelle had expressed concerns to the police about her safety in the house. The property had been repeatedly targeted, resulting in graffiti covering its walls and broken windows. Two individuals, Zak Bolland and David Worrall, were convicted and jailed for life in 2018 for the murders of the four children. In 2021, they were also found guilty of Michelle’s murder. Bolland received a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years, while Worrall was given a life sentence with a minimum of 37 years.

Evidence presented at the inquest indicated that, just two weeks prior to the fatal fire, Zak Bolland caused damage to the home by smashing windows with a hammer, scattering glass across the property. Relatives of the family, whose statements were read aloud to the court, described Michelle as deeply traumatized by the ongoing attacks and noted that she had contacted the police on five different occasions. Despite these calls for help, Michelle’s son Kyle, who survived the fire, stated in his inquest testimony that “the police didn’t do anything.”

Anna Morris KC, representing the Pearsons, portrayed Michelle as a dedicated and loving mother, who took great joy in the simple act of reading bedtime stories to her children. After sustaining catastrophic injuries in the blaze, Michelle endured a prolonged hospital stay, during which she was unaware that her children had died. The news severely affected her mental health. Upon her passing, her family placed a crucifix and a photograph of her children in her hands, with a statement expressing their belief that “she’s back with her children and out of pain.” The children were lovingly remembered: Demi as a joyful and close companion to her mother, Brandon as a cheerful little “mummy’s boy,” Lacie known for her spirited personality, and Lia as a lively chatterbox with a mischievous laugh. The family affirmed their grief over the lost futures, saying, “We cherish the short time we shared with them.” Additionally, Courtney Brierley, Bolland’s girlfriend, received a 21-year sentence for four counts of manslaughter. The inquest is ongoing

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