Court hears Leece had a bag full of lighters and tools

Fri, 06 Aug 2010

Douglas Courthouse

A court has heard details of how a man was arrested for murder.

Statements were read out from the arresting officer and those who searched the room of Simon Paul Leece following the arrest.

Amongst the items seized by officers was a puma shoulder bag, which contained a number of lighters, screwdrivers and a pair of pliers.

Leece's landlord and lady described how he kept his room neat and tidy.

Helen Planeta runs the guesthouse on Fairfield Terrace with her husband. She said she found extra rubbish and laundry in his room the day after the fire on Demesne Road.

Leece is accused of starting four fires, and denies one murder charge and seven charges of arson.