A “BUBBLY” teenager was killed in a house fire as her mum and brother appear in court charged in connection with her death.
Leah Casson, 18, tragically died in a horror blaze at her home in Vicarage Street, North Shields, North Tyneside.
The inferno began just before 3.30am on January 16, 2023, with at least five fire engines, police, paramedics, Northern Gas Networks and Northern Powergrid staff called to the scene.
Three people managed to escape the fire – but unfortunately Leah’s body was later found inside.
Cops revealed earlier this month that two people had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
It has now been confirmed Leah’s mother Danielle Johnson, 43, and her brother Louis Casson, 19, were charged with the offence.
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They today appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court where they spoke only to confirm their name, age and address.
They are both charged with manslaughter and Ms Johnson faces two counts of abstracting electricity, while her son faces one count.
The court also heard from co-accused Craig Watson, 42, and Calvin Smith, 37.
Mr Watson, who appeared via video link, is charged with manslaughter and two counts of abstracting electricity.
Mr Smith, who is not charged with killing Leah, did not enter pleas to the two charges of abstracting electricity that he does face.
All four defendants were granted unconditional bail.
They are set to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 10.
Leah’s loved ones paid tribute at the time of her death and said: “Leah was an outgoing, bubbly young woman who we loved so much and we can’t believe she has gone.
“Please let us grieve for her as a family and respect our privacy at this time.”