Timeline of tragedy which wrecked a family
THE deaths of Tatum Leah and Demi Jade Spence nearly three years ago shocked the South Tyneside community where they lived. Here's how the tragic story unfolded:
APRIL 4, 2007, 1am – Neighbours are woken by the sound of screams and sirens as a fire engulfs 99 Lisle Road, Harton, South Shields.
John Spence jumps out of the first-floor window of his home after making a desperate attempt to reach his two daughters trapped in their shared bedroom.
Moments later, firefighters confirm two young girls have died.
After investigations into the cause of the blaze, police announce they are treating the incident as murder.
John Spence is rushed to hospital with severe burns.
APRIL 4, 2007, 4pm – Police release a statement to say a 17-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and later released on police bail.
The teenager is now known to be Shane Spence.
APRIL 5, 2007 – Shane Spence is quizzed once again and detectives confirm the blaze was started deliberately.
APRIL 6, 2007 – Anita Spence, the girls' mother, makes an emotional visit to her ravaged home.
Overcome by grief, Mrs Spence lays two pink teddy bears, baloons and flowers.
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APRIL 11, 2007 – Detective Chief Inspector Mick Paterson, who led the investigation, makes an plea for the people of South Tyneside to help catch the girls' killer.
MAY 6, 2007 – John Spence is released from intensive care and on to the burns unit at South Tyneside District Hospital.
MAY 23, 2007 – Shane Spence appears before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
He speaks only to confirm his name, and is refused bail.
JUNE 7, 2007 – Hundreds of mourners attend St Lawrence The Martyr Church in Horsley Hill to say their final goodbyes to Tatum Leah and Demi Jade.
Tatum Leah is buried in a pink coffin and Demi Jade in yellow.
Despite numerous requests, Shane Spence is refused permission to attend the funeral.
AUGUST 1, 2007 – Shane Spence denies all charges at Newcastle Crown Court.
DECEMBER 25, 2007 – Mr and Mrs Spence spend Christmas abroad, unable to face being at home without their children.
JANUARY 28, 2008 – Shane Spence stands trial for murder.
FEBRUARY 18, 2008 – Shane Spence found guilty of arson and two counts of manslaughter. He was cleared of murder and attempted murder.
MARCH 15, 2008 – Shane Spence writes an open letter to the Gazette, claiming his innocence.
MAY 19, 2008 – Shane Spence sentenced to serve at least six years in prison before being eligible for parole.
His legal team launch an appeal, arguing a miscarriage of justice.
MARCH 6, 2009 – Spence's appeal against conviction is rejected by the Court of Appeal.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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