Police have named a man suspected of killing a grandad who was fatally injured during an arson attack at his home.
George Redmond's house on Dorien Road, Old Swan, was set on fire at around 3.20am on September 1 last year. The 76-year-old fell inside the property as he and his wife, Mary Redmond, attempted to flee their home.
Paramedics rushed the grandad to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation and other injuries. He died more than two weeks later on September 16.
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Wayne Hepburn, 46, of no fixed abode, has now been charged with manslaughter and conspiracy to commit arson with intent. Two others have also been charged in connection to the fire.
Fraser Dolman, 37, of Richmond Drive, Leigh was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent; supply of crack cocaine; and supply of heroin. While James Goulding, 26, of Dentons Green Lane, Dentons Green, was charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent; supply of cocaine; and supply of heroin.
Dolman and Goulding will appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court today, Friday 27 January. Hepburn remains in custody to appear next Friday, February 3 at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
Residents in the street previously told the ECHO they believed the attack was a case of mistaken identity and could not think of a reason anyone would harm the couple.
In a statement issued shortly after his death, George's family said: "With extreme sadness we announce the death of a lovely husband, dad and granddad, George Redmond, who died suddenly on September 16 in hospital.
"He was making great progress in his rehabilitation and was already mobile and regaining his independence so his sudden death was unexpected and utterly tragic and we as a family are absolutely struggling to come to terms with it all. We are beyond heartbroken and hope whoever is responsible for this appalling act is swiftly brought to justice.
"George leaves behind his much loved wife Mary to whom he was married for 52 amazing years and three much loved daughters, Kathryn, Karyn and Angela, as well as six grandchildren – and not forgetting Belle, his beloved cockapoo.
"We will love and miss him forever and hope there is a steady supply of custard creams wherever he is now. Rest peacefully George Redmond. 1946 – 2022."
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