WATCH: Jury shown moment arson suspect ‘knew what he was doing’ as he sent Wednesbury home up in flames
A dramatic courtroom moment unfolded as jurors were shown how an arson suspect appeared to deliberately target a Wednesbury home — with prosecutors saying he “knew what he was doing” when he set a wheelie bin alight outside the front door.
Video and testimony played on Tuesday at Wolverhampton Crown Court as the trial of Andrew Gorrell, 54, continued, with the prosecution arguing the blaze was more than reckless — it was a deliberate act likely to cause serious injury to anyone inside.
Prosecutor Rachel Brand KC told the jury that Gorrell moved a bin to the porch of a house in Holyhead Road in the early hours of May 11 before setting it alight — despite there being people inside.
“When he set the fire in a wheelie bin and moved towards the front door… he certainly intended that anyone inside would sustain a really serious physical injury,” Ms Brand said during her closing speech.
The tragic result saw 82-year-old John Edwards later die in hospital. His wife Doreen, 81, and sons Carl and Mark Edwards were also hurt and taken to hospital after the blaze.
Jurors heard Gorrell — who watched the proceedings from the dock — chose not to give evidence in his defence, leaving no explanation for his actions.
The prosecutor acknowledged the defendant may have been intoxicated, but pointed out he was coherent and capable of understanding what he was doing at the time of the fire.
In court, defence barrister Michael Duck KC said Gorrell’s guilty plea to manslaughter reflected his acceptance of responsibility for Mr Edwards’ death and suggested his behaviour on the night was chaotic and influenced by heavy drinking.
Gorrell, from Saltney in Flintshire, Wales, has no known connection to the Edwards family or the Wednesbury address, the court heard.
He admits manslaughter but denies murder, as well as several charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and arson with intent to endanger life. The trial continues.
