The inquest heard that Paul Smith, 40, who started a fire in St Helens that fatally injured Sheila Jackson, 83, and Eric Greener, 77, was later found dead inside a wheelie bin in Everton on 22 July 2025. A post-mortem recorded death by mixed-drug toxicity and police said they were satisfied no third party caused his death. Evidence showed Smith had been beaten and intimidated by drug-dealer Kevin Weetman and was coerced into carrying out the arson. Weetman was convicted of manslaughter and drug conspiracy and jailed for life; two associates also received lengthy sentences.
Arson Suspect Found Dead In Wheelie Bin After Fatal St Helens Blaze, Inquest Hears
Paul Smith's body was discovered seven days after the arson attack which killed an elderly couple [Merseyside Police]
An inquest has revealed that 40-year-old Paul Smith, known as 'Smigger' in north Liverpool's drug scene, was found dead inside a wheelie bin in Everton on 22 July 2025 — seven days after a house fire in St Helens that fatally injured an elderly couple.
Eric Greener and Sheila Jackson were "the loveliest, kindest, funniest, caring, most beautiful people to ever exist", their families said [Merseyside Police]
What Happened
On the night of 14 July 2025 a man poured petrol over the front door of a house on South John Street, St Helens, and set it alight. Inside were Sheila Jackson, 83, and her long-term partner Eric Greener, 77. Both were rescued by neighbours and firefighters but died in hospital within 48 hours from their injuries, including severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Sheila and Eric were rescued from the property but died in hospital within two days [BBC]
Suspect, Death And Inquest Findings
Smith was identified as the person who started the blaze. Seven days later his body was discovered stuffed inside a wheelie bin behind derelict properties in Everton. A post-mortem concluded he had taken a "massive overdose" and a coroner recorded a verdict of death by mixed-drug toxicity. Police told the inquest they were satisfied Smith's death was not the result of a criminal act by a third party, although the unusual location where his body was deposited remains the subject of a separate criminal inquiry.
From left: Killers Kevin Weetman, 34; Kylie Maynard, 37 and Lee Owens, 46 [Merseyside Police]
Background And Motive
Evidence presented at Liverpool Crown Court showed Smith was not acting alone or entirely of his own volition. Investigators concluded he had been intimidated and coerced by Liverpool drug-dealer Kevin Weetman, 34, nicknamed 'Red'. Earlier in July Weetman and associates had beaten Smith with an iron bar — footage recovered by police showed Smith in a "wretched and desperate condition". The court heard Smith feared further violence and was effectively pressured into carrying out a revenge attack.
Police bodycamera footage showing the moment Weetman was arrested for murder [Merseyside Police]
Chain Of Events
Weetman had been trying to expand his drugs operation into St Helens and sent an associate, Kylie Maynard, 37, to begin dealing there. Maynard sold cocaine to George Jackson, Sheila's son, who had briefly sheltered Maynard after she was robbed. Weetman later targeted Jackson after a failed recruitment attempt and, according to recordings heard in court, suggested burning him out. Maynard provided Smith with Jackson's address and a photograph; Smith recruited a fellow user, Lee Owens, 46, and rode to St Helens on a motorbike supplied by Weetman.
Sheila Jackson and Peter Greener were described as the "King and Queen" by their families [Family Handout]
By chance they saw George Jackson leaving the property, so the intended target was not home. Concerned he could not return without having done what was asked of him, Smith set the house alight. Neighbours raised the alarm and emergency services rescued Sheila and Eric, who later died of their injuries.
Trials And Sentences
At trial, Mr Justice Jay accepted Smith had been terrified of Weetman. Weetman was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 25 years. Maynard was convicted of the same charges and jailed for 23 years. Owens pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a 13-year sentence.
Aftermath And Ongoing Inquiries
Witnesses described Smith as remorseful in the days after the fire but his death ended any chance of clarifying what he knew about who was inside the house. Although police say no third party caused his death, inquiries continue into why his body was dumped where it was found. Families of the victims described Sheila and Eric as "lovely, kind and caring" and said the couple had been the centre of their community.
Key takeaway: The case highlights coercion within criminal networks, the tragic consequences for innocent victims, and outstanding questions surrounding the suspect's own death.
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