BOLLAND AND WORRALL BOTH GUILTY OF MURDERING MICHELLE PEARSON

Zak Bolland and his accomplice David Worrall have both been found GUILTY of the murder of brave walkden mum Michelle Pearson this afternoon.

The pair were charged with her murder after she succumbed to her injuries sustained during the devastating arson attack upon her home in Walkden in December 2017 which left her seriously injured in hospital with horrific and four of her young children dead.

Brave Michelle clung to life in order to see justice done for her children before sadly passing away herself aged 37, just twenty months after the tragic events that would see the lives of 15-year-old Demi, eight-year-old Brandon, seven-year-old Lacie and little Lia who was just three, all stolen from their loving family.

Michelle received extensive treatment for her horrific injuries and was told about the deaths of her four of her six children whilst in hospital. Sadly, she died on 25 August 2019.

After deliberations by the jury lasting just eight hours, the verdict was returned and the Pearson family who have endured so much pain since that fateful night, were finally given the justice they deserved.

Both men are already serving life sentences, with Zak Bolland ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years, and David Worrall a minimum of 37 years in prison.

Earlier in the year, 23-year-old Courtney Brierly who at the time was the girlfriend of Zak Bolland, plead guilty to the manslaughter of Michelle.

Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Chatterton, from GMP's Major Investigation Team, said:

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"This was a heartbreaking case and I'm glad that Bolland and Worrall have now faced justice for the devastating death of Michelle too - 20 months on.

"The bravery shown by the family and those affected has been outstanding - they have shown so much strength throughout both of our investigations.

"Bolland and Worral planned this attack and threw their handmade petrol bombs inside. The fire spread so quickly and the heat was so intense that the smoke alarms melted before they even had a chance to sound.

"That night in 2018 rocked the community and has turned the family's life upside down. Nothing can bring Michelle and the children back but I hope they can now be given time to grieve and come to terms with what has happened.

"All of our thoughts are with the family who have been through such a difficult time and have had to sit through two trials and listen to details on what was a horrific and planned attack."

 

A court date of the 21st of April has been set for sentencing of all three at Manchester Crown Court.

Our thoughts are with Michelle, her beloved children, grandparents, family and friends.