A MAN has made his first appearance at Crown Court charged with the murder of three-year-old Francesca Bimpson, who died after an arson attack on her home.
Francesca was one of four children in the Norwood Grove house, Everton, when it was set alight just after midnight on December 2 last year.
The toddler suffered burns and died three weeks later at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Graham Heaps, 43, is alleged to have started the blaze.
Heaps, of Woodside Terrace, Crumlin, Newport, South Wales, is now charged with Francesca’s murder, five counts of attempted murder against the youngster’s family and arson with intent to endanger life.
He spoke only to confirm his name at Liverpool Crown Court.
Mr Justice Clarke, QC, fixed a plea hearing for September 7 and a trial date for November 16.
