Ellie: Grandmother and Uncle in Court

The grandmother and uncle of a five-year-old girl mauled to death by a dog appeared in court yesterday.

Jacqueline Simpson, 46, was baby-sitting Ellie Lawrenson at her home in St Helens, Merseyside, when the dog struck early on New Year’s Day.

She appeared before Liverpool Magistrates charged with unlawful killing through gross negligence and with possessing 3.95 grams of heroin.

Dressed in jeans and a black jacket, Simpson did not enter pleas and spoke only to give her name, address and date of birth.

She was granted unconditional bail and the case adjourned to Liverpool Crown Court on April 25.

In a separate hearing at the same court, her son, Kiel Simpson, 23, was charged with possession of a banned dog, an American pit bull terrier.

He did not enter a plea and spoke only to give his personal details.

He was granted unconditional bail and the case adjourned to Liverpool Magistrates on April 25.

Ellie was killed while she stayed with her grandmother while her parents, Lindsey Simpson and Darren Lawrenson, celebrated the new year.

Police shot the dog at the scene.

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