Girl's family in court over fatal dog attack

The grandmother and uncle of a five-year-old girl who was fatally mauled by a dog have appeared in court.

Jacqueline Simpson, 46, was baby-sitting Ellie Lawrenson at her home in St Helens, Merseyside, when the attack took place in the early hours of New Year's Day.

She appeared before Liverpool Magistrates today charged with the unlawful killing of Ellie, through gross negligence.

She was also charged 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 during the two-minute hearing.

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

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

He did not enter a plea and spoke only to give his personal details during a three-minute hearing.

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

Ellie was killed while staying at her grandmother's home in Eccleston, St Helens, as her parents, Lindsey Simpson and Darren Lawrenson, celebrated the new year.

The dog, named Reuben, was shot at the scene by Merseyside Police.