Man goes on trial accused of burning his sister to death

A man's gone on trial accused of burning his sister to death.

Stephen Archer, 51, is alleged to have murdered Julie Archer, 49, who died on March 3, 2016, following an incident at her home in Newton Heath, Manchester, three days earlier.

Mr Archer, of Victoria Street, Openshaw, denies murder.

Prosecutor Mark Kellet opened the case at Manchester Crown Court by showing jurors pictures of the scene, of the defendant’s home, some of the evidence and a ‘sequence of events’.

“This is a case where death was caused by the deliberate ignition of petrol mixed with mineral spirit in the sitting room of this house”, he said.

Mr Archer faces two counts, both relating to February 29, when it is alleged that he doused his sister Julie with flammable liquid before setting her alight.

The charges are murder, and arson with intent to endanger the life of Julie Archer’s daughter, Bibi.

Mr Kellet said:“As a result of the fire Julie suffered horrific injuries with burns to 95 per cent of her body. Despite being taken to hospital by helicopter she died three days later as a direct result of the injuries.

“Fortunately Bibi was able to escape by jumping from an upstairs window, despite being extremely distressed she suffered only minor injuries.”