Two Men Charged Over Death Of Man In Flat Fire

18 June 2010, 12:53 | Updated: 18 June 2010, 13:04

Detectives investigating the death of Kevin Holmes in a fire at a flat in Portsmouth in September 2007 have charged two men with manslaughter.

James Vaughan, 30, of no fixed abode, and Gavin Heath, 39, from Brighton, are both charged with manslaughter, arson and assault causing grievous bodily harm.
 
A third man, Gary Vaughan, 35, from Worthing, West Sussex, is charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
 
James Vaughan and Gavin Heath will appear before magistrates in Basingstoke this morning (Friday, June 18).
 
Gary Vaughan appeared in court on Thursday morning, was released on bail until July 2.
 
The charges come following a three year investigation by Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Department.
 
Mr Holmes, 43, died following a fire at a flat at Milton Road, Portsmouth, which occurred overnight between September 16 and 17, 2007.
 
A second man was seriously injured in the fire, sustaining injuries from which he is still recovering.
 
The investigation into the fire was called Operation Romsey.