Horrifying footage shown of the moment youths bought fireworks-Trial of teenager charged with manslaughter and arson continues.

The trial begun last week at the Old Bailey where a teenager is charged with manslaughter, arson and affray. This comes after pensioner Mrs Josie Smith from Harold Wood died in a house fire on October 28.

Mrs Smith was asleep when a fire broke out at the ground floor of her property. Despite desperate attempts by firefighters who rescued her from the property, Mrs Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Josie had lived all her life in Harold Wood and was a much loved member of the community. Her death caused shock and sadness in the community. As a result a special vigil and tree planting session was organised to remember her.

On Thursday 9 February, the trial of one of the youths charged with manslaughter and arson began at the Old Bailey.

This week in court the family were keen for local councillors to see the video footage of the moment the youths bought the fireworks. However, sadly none of the local councillors have been in court or in touch with the family.

The footage shows a man behind the counter selling fireworks to two youths who clearly told the shop keeper that they were going to terrorise local people and the police.

Their behaviour in the shop was very child like, dancing and swearing, yet they were still sold the fireworks. The video footage has been extremely distressing for Mrs Smith’s family to watch.

Local residents have been at the trial to support Mrs Smith’s family during this difficult time.

Monica Puncheon has been supporting the family since Mrs Smith’s heartbreaking death and was the event organiser for the vigil and the tree planting memorial. She told the Havering Daily:

“It was extremely upsetting to watch these youths buying fireworks whilst stating that they wanted to terrorise people and the police.

“This is a tragedy that could have been avoided. No sentence will ever be enough for what has happened.

“I hope the Smith family will get some closure soon.”

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