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Shields fire tragedy family's legal fight
THE family of a man jailed for causing a fire which killed his two sisters are to launch a legal battle to try to have his conviction overturned.
Shane Spence was found guilty of manslaughter after the blaze in Lisle Road, Harton, South Shields, claimed the lives of Tatum Leah Spence, 14, and Demi Jade Spence, 12, in April 2007.
But his family have now asked independent justice system watchdog the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) to investigate.
Northumbria Police say they are satisfied the prosecution was "properly brought".
An earlier call for an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) was turned down because the complaint was made outside the 12- month time limit.
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Family's despair at 'guilty' verdict
Spence, 20, has always denied starting the fire at the family home, but was jailed for at least six years after he was found guilty of arson and manslaughter after a three-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court in February 2008.
He was cleared of the girls' murder and the attempted murder of his parents.
Since then, a number of concerns have been raised about his conviction and the Gazette can reveal that the CCRC is now investigating whether there has been a miscarriage of justice.
Six witnesses have come forward, claiming they understood there was clear forensic evidence which proved Spence was responsible for the blaze. But no such evidence was included in the trial.
Spence's father, John Spence, 40, from Tanfield Gardens, South Shields, has offered a 100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person he describes as the "real killer".
Mr Spence, who lives with wife Anita, also 40, told the Gazette: "I've always believed Shane is innocent. These witnesses coming forward now prove this even more as far as I'm concerned.
"Shane is in prison for something he hasn't done. I will not give up until the real killer is caught and my beautiful daughters get the justice they deserve."
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Paterson, who headed the investigation, said: "Shane Spence was found guilty by a jury after a three-week trial in which they had the opportunity to consider all of the evidence put before them.
"Northumbria Police investigated this offence, assisted by our colleagues in the Tyne and Wear Fire Service, the Forensic Science Service and the Crown Prosecution Service.
"We are satisfied that the prosecution was properly brought and with the verdict of the court."
Spence's legal team launched an appeal immediately after he was sentenced, but that was rejected by the Court of Appeal last year.
His solicitor, David Forrester, said: "We have been contacted by the CCRC to say officers are now investigating the case. It is our belief that Shane's conviction is unsafe.
"Not only did Shane not start the fire, but also he didn't have the opportunity of starting the fire."
A spokesman for the CCRC said: "We can confirm that we are looking at Mr Spence's application and an officer has been assigned to the case.
As it is subject to an investigation, we cannot comment further."
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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