Tragedy in North Shields as Teen Dies in House Blaze – Family Members Charged
Leah Casson, 18, Killed in Vicarage Street Fire
Heartbreak hit North Shields on 16 January 2023 when a house fire on Vicarage Street claimed the life of 18-year-old Leah Casson. While three people managed to escape the inferno, Leah was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Mother and Brother Face Manslaughter Charges
- Danielle Johnson, 43 – Leah’s mother, charged with manslaughter and two counts of illegal electricity theft.
- Louis Casson, 19 – Leah’s brother, also charged with manslaughter and one count of abstracting electricity.
- Craig Watson, 42 – Charged remotely with manslaughter and two counts of electricity theft.
- Calvin Smith, 37 – Charged with electricity theft unrelated to Leah’s death.
Illegal abstraction of electricity refers to dishonestly using or diverting electricity without permission.
Suspects Released on Bail, Court Hearing Set for February
All four suspects have been granted unconditional bail. They are due to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 10 February to answer the serious charges.
