Jan Wilson and Jamie Kyne: teenage jockeys killed in September fire

  PICTURE: John Grossick  

Attack that killed jockeys was manslaughter

PETER BROWN has been found guilty of killing apprentice jockeys Jamie Kyne and Jan Wilson in a revenge attack on their block of flats. The teenagers died as fire swept through the flats,  in Norton, near Malton, North Yorkshire, on September 5 last year.

Brown, 37, was convicted on Thursday of two counts of manslaughter but cleared of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. It took 13 hours for the jury of six men and six women to reach a unanimous decision. He awaits sentencing.

Peter Brown: no emotion

  PICTURE: Ben Lack Photography  

Brown, who had denied all charges, calmly sipped a glass of water and showed no emotion as the verdict was read at Leeds Crown Court, prompting friends and relatives of the two victims to say "yes" and burst into tears.

Kyne, 18, from Kiltrogue, County Galway, and Wilson, 19, from Forfar, Angus, died from smoke inhalation and burns. The jockeys were trapped in flat five of Buckrose Court flats, on the top floor of the three-storey block, as fire raged through the building.

As she adjourned the case for the preparation of reports to assess the danger Brown poses to the public, the judge, JusticeNicola Davies, said: "I know that within this court room are the families of Jan and Jamie. I can't tell you when sentencing will be but I'm quite sure that those who have control of the case will keep you informed.

"You have attended every day and my thanks to you for the dignity you have shown."

Speaking after the case, Margaret Wilson, Jan's mother, said: "She was a dream come true for us, and a gift which we were privileged to enjoy for 19 years. Drew [her father] and I miss her more than words could say."

Turning to what Brown did, she added: "Any punishment won't be enough for the loss and suffering of Jamie, Jan and all their family and friends. At least he can't take away our memories."

Madaline Cosgrove-Kyne and Gerry Kyne, the parents of Jamie, said in a statement: "Peter Brown has robbed us all of a fantastic son, brother, grandson and nephew whohad so much to live for.

"September 5 was and always will be the worst day of my life. You never think that your child will be taken away from you. It is like someone has ripped my heart out, stamped all over it and then handed it back to me hardly beating."

Burnt-out flat in Buckrose Court

  PICTURE: John Grossick  

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Carey, the senior investigating officer, said: "I am satisfied with the guilty verdict in this extremely tragic case. Peter Brown has shown little or no remorse, let alone an admission of his guilt, throughout the investigation and now thetrial.

"Today Brown has to finally face up to the consequences of his actions. I can only hope that today's verdict will offer a small source of comfort to both Jamie's and Jan's loved ones. But nothing can ever bring them back."

During the four-week trial the jury was told Brown, of Brotherton, North Yorkshire, who lived in an annexe of Buckrose Court at the time, started the fire as an act of revenge after being refused entry to a party in flat four, onthe floor below the flat where the two jockeys died.

Brown, who refused to give evidence at the trial, started the fire by lighting rubbish at the communal entrance to the flats just after 2am on September 5, the court heard.

The fire quickly spread and several residents had to jump for their lives from the burning building. Apprentice jockeys Ian Brennan, who was Jan Wilson's boyfriend, and Dean Pratt both managed to escape from flat five, but Wilson and Kyne weretrapped.