Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Andrew Bardsley

Zak Bolland and David Worrall GUILTY of murdering Michelle Pearson in house fire that left her four children dead

Zak Bolland and David Worrall have been found guilty of murder for a second time, after they threw petrol bombs into a house and killed four children.

Jurors found both men guilty of murdering the children's mother, Michelle Pearson, following a devastating fire in Jackson Street, Walkden, Salford.

Zak Bolland and David Worrall (GMP)

The fire on December 11, 2017, killed 15-year-old Demi; eight-year-old Brandon; seven-year-old Lacie; and Lia, three.

Ms Pearson, 37, died about 20 months later after being seriously hurt.

She remained in hospital for most of the period following the blaze until her death in August 2019.

The jury deliberated for about eight hours before returning the verdicts, following a three week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Bolland, 26, and Worrall, 28, had admitted manslaughter, with both men denying that they had intended to kill or harm anyone.

Prosecutors said that Worrall threw the first petrol bomb, and Bolland admitted throwing the second.

Bolland said he had wanted to damage the kitchen in retaliation, after he claimed Kyle Pearson, a sibling of the children who died, was responsible for damaging his car.

Jurors were told of a 'feud' between Bolland and Kyle Pearson, with incidents leading up to the fatal fire.

Michelle Pearson, top left, and her children Demi, bottom left, Brandon, Lacie and Lia (MEN)

Bolland said he thought the house was empty.

Bolland and Worrall were both convicted of murdering the four children at a trial in 2018.

Both had already received life sentences, with Bolland ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years, and Worrall a minimum of 37 years.

After Ms Pearson's death, they were charged with her murder.

Ms Pearson was too ill to participate in the trial in 2018.

Bolland's then girlfriend Courtney Brierley, 23, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Michelle Pearson prior to the most recent trial.

She was convicted of manslaughter at the trial in 2018, and was sentenced to 21 years.

All three now face sentencing on April 21 in relation to Ms Pearson's death.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.