Man accused of starting Wednesbury house fire that killed pensioner denies murder, attempted murders and arson
A man from Chester has denied murdering a Wednesbury man and setting fire to a family home.
Fire ripped through John and Doreen Edwards's property in Holyhead Road in the early hours of Sunday, May 11. Their relatives Mark and Carl Edwards were in the property.
All the occupants were rushed to hospital. John, who was in his eighties, died two weeks later.
Andrew Gorrell appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court, via video link from HMP Birmingham where he is being held on remand.
The 53-year-old, of Saltney, Chester, spoke to confirm his name before being read the charge levelled against him.
He pleaded not guilty to the murder of John Edwards, not guilty to the attempted murder of Doreen Edwards, not guilty to the attempted murder of Carl Edwards, and not guilty to the attempted murder of Mark Edwards.
Gorrell also pleaded not guilty to committing arson with intent to endanger life by destroying the property at Monway Buildings, home of John and Doreen Edwards, on May 11.
A trial was timetabled for eight days starting on Wednesday, January 28.
Judge Simon Ward KC said: "Your trial is in the diary. You will now have to tell your solicitors what your defence statement will be. If you decide you want to give evidence, what you put in your defence statement is really important."
"You will be required to attend the trial. If you do not, it will be held in your absence."
Judge Ward remanded Gorrell in custody.