Officer Regrets Not Arresting Man Before Arson Deaths

A police officer has stated that she did not believe it was necessary to arrest Zak Bolland, who later murdered a mother and her four children in an arson attack, after receiving a 999 call hours earlier. PC Gemma Quinn told Bolton Coroner's Court that she considered Bolland's threats against Michelle Pearson and her home to be "empty threats."

Bolland and David Worrall were convicted of murdering Demi Pearson, 15, Brandon, eight, and sisters Lacie, seven, and Lia, three, in a fire at their Walkden, Salford home on December 11, 2017. Michelle Pearson died in August 2019 from injuries sustained in the fire.

PC Quinn, a Greater Manchester Police officer with 14 years of experience, testified that she had responded to a 999 call from Michelle Pearson around 1:25 AM. Pearson had reported that Bolland and three other individuals were outside her house, with Bolland heard shouting threats to harm her son and to break down the door. PC Quinn was aware that Bolland had previously threatened to set fire to the house and had smashed windows with a hammer. Database markers also indicated his history of drug use, firearms, and violence.

Despite this information, Quinn decided not to arrest Bolland at the scene. "As a police officer, you get to see the worst side of a community and unfortunately, Salford and what I saw in 14 years….individuals make threats like that, quite often," she explained. She left the scene around 2:30 AM, with her shift not due to end until 5:00 AM. She stated that she had planned to arrest Bolland when she was next on duty, two days later. When questioned if she should have attempted an immediate arrest, Quinn responded, "In hindsight, yes."

When asked if administrative tasks, such as writing up reports, were more important than questioning Bolland, Quinn replied, "No."

PC Mike Grundy, who was also present at the scene, had indicated to Michelle Pearson that he expected Bolland to be arrested. It was suggested during the inquest that this may have led Pearson to believe she was not in immediate danger. The inquest also heard that although Pearson was asked if she felt safe, she did not seek to move her family to a secure location immediately. PC Quinn stated she did not see the point in contacting Michelle Pearson's housing provider because it was outside of operating hours.

Bolland and Worrall were sentenced to life imprisonment in 2018 for the murders of the four children. In 2021, they were also convicted of Michelle Pearson's murder. Bolland received a minimum sentence of 40 years, and Worrall received a minimum sentence of 37 years.

The inquest, which began on October 5, is examining the interactions Michelle Pearson had with the police and social services in the weeks leading up to the fatal fire. The proceedings were scheduled to last for eight weeks.