Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation
Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott
Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott speak at a press conference in May after a fire at their home claimed the lives of their six children. Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA
Derby fire deaths: Mick and Mairead Philpott speak at a press conference in May after a fire at their home claimed the lives of their six children. Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

Derby fire deaths: parents deny manslaughter of six children

This article is more than 11 years old
Mick and Mairead Philpott, who were previously charged with murder, pleaded not guilty to unlawful killing of their children

A couple accused of killing their six children in a house fire have denied charges of manslaughter.

Mick and Mairead Philpott, from Derby, who were previously charged with murder, pleaded not guilty to six separate counts of manslaughter when they appeared at Birmingham crown court via video-link.

A third defendant, Paul Mosley, 45, who was also previously charged with murder, appeared in the dock at the same hearing and also entered not guilty pleas to the unlawful killing of the children.

Jade Philpott, 10, and her brothers John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, died in a blaze at their parents' semi-detached house in Allenton, Derby, on 11 May. Duwayne, 13, died later in hospital.

Mick Philpott, 55, Mairead Philpott, 31, and Mosley, of Derby, are expected to face trial in February.

The couple appeared via a split-screen video-link to the prisons where they are being held on remand.

During today's hour-long hearing, the pair spoke only to enter their pleas, give their names, and confirm they could hear and see the proceedings.

Mick Philpott, wearing a cream jumper, held his head in his hands and was heard to sob as two of the charges, which related to Jade and Jayden, were put to him by the court clerk.

His wife, wearing a blue T-shirt and sitting behind a desk, showed no obvious emotion as she denied each of the six new charges.

A further administrative hearing is due to be held in January and the trial, which may last for up to five weeks, is scheduled to begin on 11 February.

Explore more on these topics

Most viewed

Most viewed