DERBY MAN MAIREAD PHILPOTT AND PAUL MOSLEY INVOLVED IN TRAGIC FIRE HORROR

In April 2021, a disturbing incident unfolded in Derby involving Mairead Philpott, who was seen enjoying a brief taste of freedom after serving part of her prison sentence. The 40-year-old, who was released the previous year after completing half of her 17-year term, was spotted at a local pub in Derby, indulging in a snakebite and black with a friend.

During her visit to the establishment, known as the Lock, Stock and Barrel, located in Newbury, she maintained her mask throughout her stay, only lowering it momentarily to consume her meal of lasagne, peas, and potato wedges. It was reported that she paid for her food and drinks herself, having saved money from her Universal Credit benefits, indicating her attempt to manage her expenses independently.

An eyewitness observed that Philpott appeared somewhat nervous, seemingly concerned about being recognized. Despite her efforts to remain discreet, her identity was unmistakable when she pulled down her mask to eat and drink. Over time, she was seen laughing and joking with her companion, a scene that many found unsettling given her past.

The sight of her in such a setting, especially in a picturesque pub beside a river, drew criticism and discomfort from onlookers. Many expressed their disapproval of her casual demeanor, considering her history and the tragic events linked to her.

Mairead Philpott’s criminal history is deeply intertwined with a devastating fire that claimed the lives of her six children. In 2013, she was convicted alongside her husband Mick Philpott, aged 65, and their neighbor Paul Mosley, aged 53, for their roles in orchestrating an arson attack on their home in Derby.

The incident occurred on the morning of May 11, 2012, at their residence on Victory Road, a three-bedroom council house. Mick Philpott, then 63, poured petrol on the floor of the house and ignited it, leading to a tragic blaze that resulted in the deaths of their children. Mairead was present during the event, speaking to emergency services as the fire raged.

Prosecutors revealed that the fire was part of a malicious plan to frame Mick’s former lover, Lisa Willis, who had moved out three months prior with her five children. The Philpott couple, along with Paul Mosley, devised a scheme to blame Willis for the fire in an attempt to gain custody of her children. However, the plan backfired, and the children—ranging in age from five to thirteen—perished in the flames.

The children who died included Jade, aged 10; John, aged 9; Jack, aged 7; Jesse, aged 6; Jayden, aged 5; and Duwayne, aged 13, who succumbed three days later in hospital. The tragedy shocked the community and drew widespread media attention.

In April 2013, the court sentenced Mick Philpott to life imprisonment with a minimum of 15 years, while Mairead received a 17-year sentence, with the understanding that she would serve half of that term. Paul Mosley was also sentenced to 17 years, with the same half-term rule. During the proceedings, family members displayed obscene gestures towards Mick as he left the dock, to which he responded similarly.

The court heard that Mick Philpott had a long history of violence and criminal behavior, including a 1978 conviction for attempted murder after stabbing a woman who wanted to leave him. His troubled past included a series of abusive relationships and criminal acts, including an incident where he attacked a woman named Kim, who was just 17 at the time, stabbing her over a dozen times and assaulting her mother.

The court also revealed that Mick had a history of underage relationships, including a relationship with Heather, who was only 14 when they met, and with whom he later had children. Heather described Mick as charming but also controlling and violent, recounting how he would lash out when he did not get his way.

The tragic fire and its aftermath exposed a pattern of exploitation and manipulation by Mick and Mairead Philpott, who sought to exploit public sympathy and donations for the funerals of their children. Neighbors attempted to rescue the children from the burning house but were thwarted by the intense smoke and flames. When police recovered the bodies, Mick Philpott was seen rushing forward and had to be restrained.

The community had raised over £15,000 for the children's funerals, but Mick demanded that any leftover funds be given to his family in Argos vouchers. He also insisted that teddy bears left outside the house be auctioned off, with proceeds directed to him, further demonstrating his manipulative behavior.

The case remains a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of neglect, violence, and criminal conspiracy, leaving a lasting scar on the Derby community and the families affected by this devastating event.