Jury in Wednesbury fire death case hears of victim's family's injuries
The jury in the case of a man accused of starting a fire at a house in Wednesbury which led to the death of a pensioner have heard evidence of the injuries caused to his family members.
Andrew Gorrell, aged 54, of Saltney in Flintshire, Wales, denies the murder of John Edwards, aged 82 who died of severe burns after the blaze at a property in Holyhead Road in the early hours of May 11 last year.
His wife Doreen and son Mark were badly injured in the blaze.
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He denies the murder of Mr Edwards, although he has admitted a lesser charge of manslaughter.
He also denies the attempted murders of Doreen Edwards, Mark Edwards and Carl Edwards.
Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday first saw CCTV of various locations in Wednesbury town centre including the Shambles, Amigos Pizza and the Golden Cross Pub.
Earlier the prosecution alleged he travelled 70 miles to the West Midlands and set a wheelie bin alight before 'deliberately' moving it to 'block' the front door of the property where Mr Edwards lived with his family.
After the CCTV evidence was completed, Sarah Slater, also prosecuting, told the jury about Doreen Edwards' injuries after the fire.
She said "she had abnormal" breathing sounds and had to be intubated and placed on a ventilator.
There were superficial lacerations to one of her legs and a partially collapsed lung.
"Mrs Edwards was admitted to the intensive care unit and ultimately remained in hospital until June 2," she said.
She continued: "Carl Edwards was taken to hospital and was given oxygen therapy.
"His mouth and throat were abnormally red and he had reduced air movement through his lungs.
"He was treated with pain killers and ultimately requested to be discharged before more assessments could be done.
"Mark Edwards sustained 'severe burns' to his face, head, neck and arms. There were also burn injuries to his eyes.
"He was connected to a ventilator and sent to the critical care burns unit."
The court heard he was discharged from the hospital on July 31.
As part of the agreed facts, the court heard at the time of his arrest, Gorrell was wearing a Chicago Bulls jacket and officers found a black t-shirt with "Nightmare on Elm Street" on the front of it and a WH Smith carrier bag near his bed.
Further prosecution witnesses are expected to give evidence on Monday, when the trial continues.
