Ellie's gran denies unlawful killing

Aug 11 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

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.

Simpson, who appeared before Liverpool Crown Court yesterday pleaded not guilty to manslaughter 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 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, which was owned by Ellie’s uncle Kiel Simpson, was destroyed. He admitted owning the illegal dog and was jailed for eight weeks.