Ellie death: Gran denies unlawful killing

Aug 10 2007

Ellie Lawrenson

THE grandmother of a five-year-old girl mauled to death by a dog has denied unlawfully killing her.

Jacqueline Simpson, 46, was babysitting Ellie Lawrenson at her home in St Helens when the attack happened in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Simpson, who appeared before Liverpool crown court today (FRI) pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Ellie on the grounds of gross negligence.

Dressed in black trousers and black jacket, Simpson, spoke only to enter her plea and confirm her name.

She was granted unconditional bail by Judge Henry Globe QC, the Recorder of Liverpool, until her trial, which will start on September 3.

Ellie was killed while staying at her grandmother’s home in Eccleston, as her parents, Lindsey Simpson and Darren Lawrenson, celebrated the new year.

The dog, Reuben which was owned by Ellie’s uncle Kiel Simpson, was shot by police.

He has admitted owning the illegal dog and was jailed for eight weeks.