The Newshound

PC who thought Walkden firebomber was making 'empty threats' tells inquest she carries guilt every day

Zak Bolland was ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years in prison for murdering Michelle Pearson and four of her children in the December 2017 firebombing.
Zak Bolland was ordered to serve a minimum of 40 years in prison for murdering Michelle Pearson and four of her children in the December 2017 firebombing.
Michelle Pearson with four of her children, whom Zak Bolland murdered when he firebombed their Walkden home hours after a police officer dismissed his threats as "empty.
Michelle Pearson with four of her children, whom Zak Bolland murdered when he firebombed their Walkden home hours after a police officer dismissed his threats as "empty.

PC Gemma Quinn told Bolton Coroner's Court that on the night Zak Bolland murdered Michelle Pearson and four of her children, she chose not to arrest him, planning instead to do so at the start of her next shift two days later. Bolland returned to the family's Jackson Street home in Walkden less than three hours after Quinn left and threw petrol bombs inside, killing Demi, 15, Brandon, eight, Lacie, seven, and Lia, three. A tearful Quinn told the inquest she has not returned to front-line policing since the December 2017 attack.

Quinn knew Bolland had previously threatened to firebomb the house and had smashed its windows — yet she left, citing paperwork waiting at the station.

Bolland had already been arrested and released without further action after texting Michelle Pearson: 'I am going to petrol bomb your house tonight.'

Michelle Pearson survived the fire but died of her burns 20 months later; Bolland is serving a minimum 40 years, Worrall a minimum 37.

MoreBBC News - EnglandPC thought murderer was making 'empty threats' before arson attackEvening StandardOfficer thought killer was making ’empty threats’ before firebombing – inquestFacebook🚨 A GMP officer who responded to a 999 call made by Michelle Pearson hours before the fatal firebombing has told the inquest she and a colleague intended to try and arrest Zak Bolland two days later as she 'didn't think it needed to be done immediately.' - FacebookThe Bolton NewsWalkden firebombing inquest hears officer thought threats were ‘empty’Manchester Evening NewsPolice officer on 999 call hours before tragic Walkden fire-bombing thought killer's threats were 'empty', court told - Manchester Evening News
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →