Ellie death ‘unlawful killing’s

A CORONER has ruled the death of a five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson who was savaged by her uncle’s Pit Bull Terrier in St Helens, Merseyside was an unlawful killing.

The coroner's verdict comes several weeks after a jury found the child’s grandmother Jackie Simpson not guilty of manslaughter through gross negligence.

The girl's inquest was held at Whiston Coroner's Court on Wednesday November 21st, having been adjourned for several months pending Simpson’s trial.

Ellie was killed on New Year's Day when Reuben, her uncle's illegal pit bull terrier, attacked her at Ms Simpson's home.

Ms Simpson stood trial in September, when it was alleged that she broke a family rule by letting the dog into the house but, despite admitting that she partly to blame, she was cleared of the charge.

Kiel Simpson, 24, was jailed for eight weeks at Liverpool Magistrates' Court in May after admitting owning a dog banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.