HEYSHAM STUDENT SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF STEPFATHER'S MOTHER IN HOUSE FIRE
A 21-year-old student described as 'composed and calculating' has been sentenced to life imprisonment after killing his stepfather's mother in a house fire.Tiernan Darnton caused a fire at the home of 94-year-old Mary Gregory in Heysham, Lancashire, in 2018, deliberately trapping her inside.
Initially, her death was regarded as an accident, but Darnton, who had earlier admitted to killing her during a game of truth or dare, also confessed to the act during counseling sessions in 2019.
He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years.
Although Darnton denied the murder charge, a jury convicted him on Thursday at Preston Crown Court.
The judge during sentencing rejected the idea that the fire was an act of mercy, pointing out that Darnton claimed he disabled a fire alarm and set the blaze to prevent Mrs Gregory from suffering from dementia.
Evidence presented in court showed he had meticulously planned the attack, including drawings of her home with annotations like 'good hiding place' and 'quick exit,' and had searched for related terms on his phone.
His family voiced their disgust and trauma; Mrs Gregory’s son, Peter, called Darnton’s actions 'disgusting and shattering' and mentioned that she had disliked Darnton and had not wanted him in her house.
Prosecutor Victoria Agullo stated that Darnton intentionally ignited the fire to stop Mrs Gregory from seeking help or escaping.
The judge highlighted Darnton’s detailed premeditation, including the existence of a 'kill list' with names.
The case also revealed Darnton’s fascination with serial killers and dark thoughts, alongside disturbing material he possessed that was not shown to the jury.
Although he claimed his actions were motivated by a wish to prevent her suffering, the court ruled that trapping her in a burning house was not an act of mercy, emphasizing the high level of planning involved.
