19/05/2008

Teen Jailed For Killing Sisters In House Fire

A teenager has been jailed for killing his two sisters in a house fire.

Eighteen-year-old Shane Spence had previously denied killing Tatum, 14 and Demi-Jade, 12.

The young girls died from smoke inhalation at their three-bedroom home in Lisle Road, South Shields, last April.

Spence also denied attempted murder of his parents, John and Anita, both 37, who were injured in the blaze.

Mr Spence suffered 42% burns to his body trying to rescue his children.

At the trial in January, Spence "broke down" when a recording of a 999 call in which Mrs Spence could be heard screaming was played to the jury.

Following the blaze, investigators recovered a burnt petrol can in the sitting room of the house.

It is reported that Spence had attempted suicide a few days before the blaze after an "incident" with his partner and mother of his child.

It is understood Spence, who did not live at the property, crept in while the family were asleep and doused the living room sofa in petrol.

Spence was found guilty of manslaughter and one count of arson at Newcastle Crown Court.

He has been sentenced to a minimum six year jail term for the attack.

(DS)


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