Police Officer Reflects on Missed Opportunity in Fatal Arson Case
An inquest heard that authorities might have prevented a tragedy if an arsonist had been arrested before killing a mother and her four children.
A police officer told an inquest that in an "ideal world," an arsonist who threatened to firebomb a house should have been arrested before he murdered a mother and four children. The comments came during an inquest into the deaths of Michelle Pearson, 37, and her four children.
Zak Bolland, 26, had smashed the windows of Ms. Pearson's home in Walkden, Greater Manchester, as part of an escalating feud. Later that day, he sent Ms. Pearson text messages demanding money and threatening to petrol bomb her house. Police responded to the threats, but the probationary officer on duty, who had been with Greater Manchester Police for six months, stated that Ms. Pearson was hesitant to pursue charges. The officer noted that due to staff shortages and a high volume of emergency calls, they did not attempt to arrest Bolland, who lived nearby.
The inquest heard that two days later, the case regarding the smashed windows was closed after Bolland refused to cooperate in an interview. He was informed that "no further action" would be taken. Four days after that, Bolland returned to Ms. Pearson's home, taunting her and calling her a "grass." Ms. Pearson again contacted the police, and the same officer attended. He explained the meaning of "no further action" to Ms. Pearson, who was visibly upset and confused, wanting Bolland prosecuted.
Less than a week later, on December 11, 2017, Bolland and an accomplice, David Worrall, 28, smashed the rear windows of Ms. Pearson's home and tossed in petrol bombs. The devices ignited near the stairs, blocking the only ground-floor exit and trapping the family upstairs as the fire spread. Demi Pearson, 15, her brother Brandon, 8, and sisters Lacie, 7, and Lia, 3, died in the blaze. Michelle Pearson died over a year later in August 2019 from injuries sustained in the fire, having suffered burns to 68% of her body.
In 2018, Bolland and Worrall received four life sentences for the petrol bombing, with minimum terms of 40 and 37 years, respectively. Bolland's girlfriend, Courtney Brierley, 20, was sentenced to 21 years for four counts of manslaughter.
The court heard that the attacks stemmed from a feud between Bolland and one of Ms. Pearson's sons. Ms. Pearson had reportedly contacted the police at least five times in the two weeks prior to the firebombing and had requested to be rehoused.
The inquest is examining whether there were missed opportunities by police or other agencies to protect the family. The proceedings are ongoing.