1.3 million people tuned in to Channel 5 when the schedule was changed at 9pm on Wednesday 3rd of April to show a documentary “examining the high-profile Philpott story, featuring new material about the tragic event and subsequent trial” Felicity appeared in 2 slots dealing with the sexual background and the fire investigation. The documentary was repeated on Friday 5th April 2013 and now appears on Demand 5.
Mick Philpot, Mairead Philpott and Paul Mosley, were found guilty of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court on the 2nd of April 2013. The Philpotts’ five children, plus a sixth child from Mairead Philpott’s previous relationship, died in a fire at the family home in Derby, in May 2012. The fire was set in the hall and for that reason alone would have been immediately suspicious. Mick Philpott told the emergency services he believed the children were all in one room. A ladder was in place as an inadequate method of escape. This was a manslaughter because it was obvious that whoever set the fire wanted the children to escape so there was no intent to kill or cause really serious harm which would be required to prove murder. It was an unlawful act manslaughter by setting a fire which tragically caused the death of 6 children. Damning evidence of the defendants discussing whether there was any evidence against them was gathered from covert recordings. Defence evidence that they were discussing their sexual behaviour was rejected. Mick Philpott was sentenced to life imprisonment and Mairead and Mosely to determinate sentences of 17 years each. Mick can apply to the Parole Board for release after 15 years. He will only be released if the Parole Board are satisfied he is no longer a danger. The others will be automatically released after 8 1/2 years.
The Channel 5 documentary in which Felicity Gerry appeared is here.
The sentencing remarks of Mrs Justice Thirlwall are here.
