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Leeds teenager in firework death trial
A LEEDS teenager is standing trial charged with killing a 93-year-old Harrogate woman in a firework blaze.
Scott Hampson, 18, formerly of Alder Hill Grove, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, denies the manslaughter of Yuen Har Ho.
Two 14-year-olds and a 17-year-old have already admitted their part in the killing.
A Leeds Crown Court jury heard she died in hospital seven weeks after the blaze at her flat in Newby Crescent, Harrogate last November 1.
Prosecutor, Timothy Capstick said Hampson and the three other teenagers moved a bin and positioned it in front of the doors leading to Mrs Ho's groundfloor flat.
Mr Capstick said Charles Francis, 17, lit a firework and placed it into the bin.
Firefighters discovered Mrs Ho sat on the sofa in the lounge of her severely smoke-damaged flat.
She was taken to hospital suffering from severe smoke inhalation and died on December 20 last year.
Mr Capstick said: "We allege this was a joint enterprise and that all four youths were involved in the incident either by physically doing something or wilfully encouraging one or more of the others in doing so."
Before the trial started, Judge Paul Hoffman told the two 14-year-olds to expect a custodial sentence after they admitted manslaughter.
Judge Hoffman lifted reporting restrictions allowing them be identified.
Jordan Lee, 14, formerly of Kepler Terrace, Harehills, Leeds and Ryan Wilson, 14, formerly of Stepney Road, Scarborough were freed on bail and will be sentenced at a later date.
Francis, formerly of Sorrel Grove Harrogate, has previously admitted manslaughter.
Proceeding
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Friday 25 May 2012
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