Dyson Allen, 19, convicted of manslaughter over death of four siblings in blaze

 
Dyson Allen
PA
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A teenager has been found guilty of starting a fire in a bedroom wardrobe which killed four siblings.

Four-year-old twins Holly and Ella Smith and their two-year-old brother Jordan were asleep as the blaze took hold in Freckleton, Lancashire, and elder brother Reece, 19, was overcome by fumes as he went upstairs to try to rescue them.

Four-year-old twins Holly and Ella Smith died in the blaze
PA

All four died from the effects of smoke inhalation following the blaze on January 7 last year.

Dyson Allen, 19, was convicted of four counts of manslaughter by a jury at Preston crown court today.

He was cleared of their murders.

Members of the victims' family shouted "yes" in tears as the jury foreman returned each guilty verdict on the manslaughter counts.

Reece Smith, 19, tried in vain in save his siblings
PA
Toddler Jordan Smith, aged two, was killed in the fire
PA

The defendant held his hands over his eyes in shock and then wept as he leaned forward.

Sentencing was adjourned until September 27 for the preparation of psychiatric reports.

Mr Justice Males told the court: "There must be no doubt that it is inevitable there will be a substantial prison sentence."

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