Mother and brother of teen who died in house fire in court

Leah Casson, 18, died in a blaze at her home in Vicarage Street, North Shields, North Tyneside, on January 16 2023.

Danielle Johnson and Louis Casson at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS / PA)

Her mother Danielle Johnson, 43, and brother Louis Casson, 19, appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court where they spoke to confirm their name, age and address.

Danielle Johnson. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS / PA)

Louis Casson. (Image: OWEN HUMPHREYS / PA)

They are both charged with manslaughter and the mother faces two counts of abstracting electricity while her son faces one count.

Co-accused Craig Watson, 42, appeared via a video link.

He is also charged with manslaughter and two counts of abstracting electricity.

Leah Casson. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE /PA)

Calvin Smith, 37, of North Tyneside, did not enter pleas to the two charges of abstracting electricity that he faces. He is not charged with killing the teenager.

All four defendants were granted unconditional bail to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 10.

Northumbria Police initially treated the fire as arson, and at the time Ms Casson’s loved ones paid tribute, saying: “Leah was an outgoing, bubbly young woman who we loved so much and we can’t believe she has gone.

“Please let us grieve for her as a family and respect our privacy at this time.”