Daniel Jones charged with murder of father and young daughter in Wakefield house blaze
A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a father and his daughter who died in a house fire in Wakefield.
Daniel Jones, 28, appeared before Leeds Magistrates Court today over the deaths of Andrew Broadhead, 42, and his eight year old daughter Kiera.
The fatal house fire on Ash Crescent in Stanley broke out at around 4.20am on Wednesday, October 19.
Mr Broadhead’s wife Sara, 35, and a 13-year-old girl, who cannot be identified, escaped the blaze with non-life threatening injuries.
Jones, of Spawdbone Lane, Knottingley, is charged with two offences of murder, arson with intent to endanger life and burglary.
Bearded Jones appeared in the dock wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a grey sweater.
He spoke only to confirm his address and date of birth.
No pleas were entered to any of the charges and no application was made for bail.
The case was committed to Leeds Crown Court where Jones will appear on Friday. He was remanded in custody until then.
A 24-year-old man has also been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail while further investigations take place.
The family had just returned from a holiday in Spain the day before the blaze.
Earlier, the victims’ family paid tribute and spoke of their shock at the tragedy.
Mr Broadhead’s parents, Alan and Jean Broadhead, had been on holiday with them.
The couple, both 68, were due to stay in the country longer, but cut their holiday short after the tragedy and flew home.
Alan said: “We have just come back from holiday. We were all on holiday together in Spain, but [Jean and I] stayed longer.
“We had to come back early when we heard. We’re still unpacking and expecting police to call round any minute now. It’s too soon to speak about it.
“My wife has seen people posting about in on Facebook this morning and she’s so upset. She can’t believe it’s happened.”
With his voice breaking, he added: “It is such a shock. It was very difficult to hear the news when we were abroad.
“We lost a son and a granddaughter.”
Dozens of bouquets of flowers had been left by the wall outside the fire damaged house in tribute.
Witnesses should call 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with information.