Trial of man accused of murder over Wednesbury house fire to begin next week
The jury in the case of a man accused of murdering a pensioner who died days after a house fire in Wednesbury has been sworn in.
By Paul Jenkins
Published 29th Jan 2026, 15:57 BST
Andrew Gorrell, aged 53, from Moss Grove, Saltney in Flintshire, Wales, has pleaded not guilty to murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
John Edwards, aged 82, and three others were seriously injured after the fire in Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, in the early hours of May 11 and Mr Edwards later died in hospital two weeks later.
Gorrell also denies three counts of attempted murder relating to Doreen Edwards, Mark Edwards and Carl Edwards.
Judge Michael Chambers KC swore the jury in at Wolverhampton Crown Court this afternoon (Thursday) and said the case would start on Monday