Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

ON Tuesday, 15 July 2025, their home on:- South John Street, in St Helens, was set on fire and after being taken to Hospital for treatment, they sadly both died from their injuries.

Eric, aged 77, and his partner Sheila, aged 83 were the:- “loveliest, kindest, funniest, caring, most beautiful people to ever exist,” say their family.

In a tribute released today, their family said:- "Sheila and Eric’s deaths were not the result of a momentary lapse in judgment or an act of diminished responsibility, they were the result of an unforgivable, unprovoked, premeditated attack on their home in the night. The loss of Sheila and Eric has left a wound in our hearts that can never be healed. No verdict, regardless of its nature, will bring them back, or undo the immense damage done to our family. Sheila and Eric were taken from us in the most violent and cruel way, and no amount of justice can ever replace the beautiful lives that were lost or heal the harm done to our family. Nevertheless, we continue to hold onto the belief that any justice served is for Sheila and Eric, the Queen and King of our family, whose memory we will cherish and carry forward. Sheila and Eric throughout their long, amazing lives showed nothing but love towards each other, and to those all around them. They were the life and soul of the party, they were the Queen and King of our family. They were the glue that held us all together. They would give anything to anyone who needed it, without question. They showed nothing but compassion and love throughout their whole lives, and we only ask that the same is shown to them, and our family in return, whilst we finally try to navigate the grief we are all holding. We are committed to never letting Sheila and Eric’s memory die, and will wholly ensure that their legacy lives on in the memories and lives of those who loved them. As we continue to process this irreplaceable loss, we kindly ask for privacy and time to grieve. We will never forget Sheila and Eric, and we will make sure their legacy lives on in the way they always lived, with love, laughter, and kindness."

Following a 5 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, 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, 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, 46, of no fixed address pleaded guilty to Manslaughter and sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison.

Our thoughts will always remain with Sheila and Eric's families.

Liverpool (Gladstone)

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