The inquest into the death of Michelle Pearson and her four children is due to commence nearly 9 years after the fatal arson attack on their home

The inquest touching the deaths of Michelle Pearson and her children, Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia are set to begin on Monday 5th October 2026 at Bolton Coroner’s Court. HM Senior Coroner Timothy Brennand will be hearing the inquests, which are expected to last up to 8 weeks.

Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia tragically died as a result of burns and/or the inhalation of smoke. Michelle Pearson, aged 37, died in hospital on the 25th of August 2019 – 21 months after the fire, as the consequence of complications of her burns.

The fire at 8 Jackson Street had been set deliberately using petrol bombs. Two of the perpetrators of the arson were convicted of the four murders of the children at Manchester Crown Court.  They were sentenced to life imprisonment with terms of 40 years and 37 years respectively.  They were also convicted of the attempted murder of those who had escaped the fire.  A third defendant pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the four children.  Further convictions for murder followed after Michelle’s death in 2019.

In 2024, following submissions made on behalf of the Pearson family, the Coroner made the decision to resume the inquests into the deaths of Michelle and the children and ruled that the investigation engaged Article 2 ECHR.  The family hope that the inquest will investigate thoroughly  the family’s concerns in respect of the multiple state agencies involvement with the family prior to the murders.

In 2019, an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation was carried out following the tragic events that occurred at the Pearson family home.  in 2025, the IOPC made the decision to reconsider their original investigation surrounding the response of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), on the basis the first investigation was flawed.

The Interested Persons have been identified as follows:-

  • The Pearson Family
  • Greater Manchester Police
  • Salford City Council
  • Cheshire & Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company
  • Independent Office for Police Conduct (“IOPC”)
  • Manchester NHS Foundation Trust
  • Northern Care Alliance
  • Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
  • Wigan Social Care
  • We Change Lives
  • 3L Care Limited
  • Salix Homes

Seven officers from Greater Manchester Police have been granted Interested Person Status in their own right, and are separately represented.

Evidence will be heard over the course of the inquest from a number of witnesses belonging to each organisation together with expert evidence touching on Michelle’s Treatment and care for her burns.

The following matters will be explored at the inquest:-

  • Who Michelle Pearson and children were in life.
  • The threats made by X and his associates towards Michelle Pearson and her family in November and December 2017.
  • The investigations and actions of GMP in relation to the reports made by Michelle Pearson of the threat posed by X to her and her children.
  • The actions and decisions of SCC Housing in relation to requests by Michelle Pearson to be rehoused due to the threat posed by X to her and her children.
  • The investigations and actions by SCC Children’s Services in relation to the reports made by Michelle Pearson of the threat posed by X to her children.
  • The actions and decisions of Probation (CRC) in relation to information received about the threats made by X to Michelle Pearson and her children.
  • The requirement for and implementation of any multi-agency risk assessments conducted in relation to the threats made by X to Michelle Pearson.
  • The facts surrounding the occurrence of the fatal fire established by GMFRS
  • The medical cause of death of the Pearson Children.
  • The medical care and treatment received by Michelle following the fire.
  • The medical cause of death of Michelle Pearson.

In preparing for the inquest arising from the tragic circumstances, the Pearson family have reflected on their loved ones and have provided “pen portraits” to the Coroner which we expect will be read on the first day of the inquest.

Demi – had a cheeky streak but a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.  Michelle would say that her smile would let her get away with anything!  She was 15 years old when she died

Brandon – a genius, with an infectious smile that lit up the room!  He was a mummy’s boy.  Brandon was 8 years old at the time of his death. 

Lacie – our little diva – she danced from the moment she woke up, to the moment she went to sleep.  So loving and everyone’s friend.  Lacie was 7 years old when she died.

Lia – had a smile that would melt your heart – she was a little chatterbox! She was Michelle’s ‘little girl’ – so loving and caring, with her blonde curls and bluest of eyes.  Lia was just 3 years old when she passed. 

Michelle – had the biggest heart and the loudest laugh.  She was a devoted mum and loved nothing more than playing with the children and enjoying the sunshine in the back garden, with a BBQ, or watching them have fun at the local park and lake. She would read them a story every night before bed.

It is hard to sum up all the cherished memories we shared with Michelle. The amount of love cannot be put into words. All the children had such bright futures ahead of them. We miss them every day.

The family are represented by Kelly Darlington, Partner, assisted by Natalie Tolley, Associate, of Farleys Solicitors LLP.

Counsel instructed on behalf of the family is Anna Morris KC assisted by Christian Weaver, both of Garden Court North Chambers.