Prestatyn fire murder charge remand

A woman has appeared in court charged with four counts of murder after a flat fire killed four members of the same family.

20 year old, Lee-Anna Shiers, her 15-month-old son Charlie, her four-year-old nephew Bailey and two-year-old niece Skye died in the fire in Maes y Groes on Friday October 19. 

Firefighters rescued Charlie and his father 23 year old Liam Timbrell, from their first floor flat but the baby died the following Sunday afternoon while Mr Timbrell remains in a serious condition in hospital. 

42 year old Melanie Jane Smith, is charged with four counts of murder, one count of arson with intent to endanger life and threats to commit criminal damage. 

Smith spoke only to confirm her name and that she understood the proceedings when she appeared by videolink at Mold Crown Court on 31 October. 

She was remanded in custody until January 7 when she is expected to enter her plea at Caernarfon Crown Court.

The trial is expected to start in April.