‘Revenge’ of the ‘Arson’ ‘Murderer’?
Little Francesca Bimpson lost her fight for life on the day before Christmas Eve 2008, 3 weeks after petrol was poured through the letterbox of her home and set alight as the family were all in bed.
The 3 year-old “innocent angel” died after suffering 90% burns in an arson attack on the semi-detached home she shared with her mum, dad, brother and sisters in Everton, Liverpool UK.
THE heartbroken father of murdered tot ‘Francesca Bimpson’ – ‘Kieron Bimpson’ told how the little girl hid beneath her blankets as fire raged through the family home. He also said of how badly little Francesca was burned and needed to have her ears and toes amputated in her fight for life.
At the time he said; “The person who did this knew there were children in the house. And they put Francesca through torture.”
An ex-boyfriend of Francesca’s aunt, who was at the scene was arrested but denied the charge and concocted a story that he was at the scene as a “hero” who had tried to make a rescue attempt.
A 3 week trial at Liverpool Crown Court heard how this murderer had, had a former relationship with Francesca’s aunt, the sister of Francesca’s mother, which ended weeks before the fire. He was bitter about the break-up and carried out the arson attack as an act of revenge.
This cold callous murderer was found guilty of arson attack and given a 28-year minimum life sentence for this horrific and cowardly crime of revenge.
This worthy charity which was created so as ‘little innocent angel Francesca’ did not die in vain and hopefully this charity will help others get help and support if involved in similar tragedies.
The aims of the Foundation will be:
- The respite and rehabilitation of families and victims of serious crime.
- The development of a one stop shop of support and the offer of counselling sessions by people you can relate to: ie. previous victims of serious crime in a designated building with Relaxing facilities.
- The offer of a playcentre on site for the use of toddlers and young children with designated playworkers, to give parents/guardians a break.
- The opportunity to enable networking of victims,to take place with refreshments and support tailored to individual needs.
- Facilities/resources to enable the development of a support group onsite.
- The purchase of a minibus for residential breaks away from stress and trauma for the people affected by serious crime.
- The formation a charity/charitable trust in Francesca’s name and memory.
My respect and admiration along with deep sadness of loss go out to this family and any others who have lost a loved one in this despicable and non-sensical way.
Dawn Pugh MBACP NCSAG
Expert therapist