Blaze parents to go on trial next January

At a preliminary hearing at Nottingham Crown Court yesterday, Mick Philpott, 55, and his wife Mairead, 31, who was caressing a crucifix on a long chain worn around her neck, were told they would go on trial next January.

The couple are charged with murder following a blaze at their home on Victory Road in Allenton, Derby, on May 11.

Jade Philpott, 10, and brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jessie, six and Jayden, five, all died in the fire. Duwayne, 13, died in Birmingham Children’s Hospital two days later.

There was a packed public gallery for the short hearing but no outbursts like at the couple’s two previous court appearances.

No applications for bail were made. The couple were remanded into custody to next appear for a plea and case management hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on November 5.

A funeral service for the six children will take place on Friday. Church officials have confirmed the parents will not be attending.