Couple deny killing two-year-old neighbour in huge gas explosion

A couple have denied killing their two-year-old neighbour in a huge gas explosion.

Sharon Greenham, 51, and Darren Greenham, 44, entered not guilty pleas to a charge of manslaughter over the death of George Hinds at Preston Crown Court on Friday.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the blast in Heysham, Lancashire, in the early hours of May 16 last year.

They found two houses in Mallowdale Avenue had been destroyed, while a third was seriously damaged.

The Greenhams also denied damaging a gas meter between January and May 2021 and theft of gas between March and May 2021.

Their trial was listed for October 4, with a time estimate of up to four weeks. A pre-trial review will take place on August 12.

A third defendant, Paul Marsh, 54, from Heysham, later appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to damaging a gas meter and theft of gas. Marsh will also face trial on October 4.

Members of George’s family watched proceedings from the front row of the public gallery.

In a tribute issued after the youngster’s death, his parents Vicky and Stephen said: ‘We are devastated at the loss of our beautiful George.

‘He was so precious to us. We have no words to describe how we feel and just want time to ourselves to come to terms with what has happened.

‘Our beautiful little angel grew his wings today.’

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