Mauled girl's grandmother in court

The grandmother of a five-year-old girl mauled to death by a pit bull terrier in England will today stand trial over her death.

Jackie Simpson, 46, pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter brought after Ellie Lawrenson died on New Year’s Day this year after sustaining serious head and neck injuries.

Simpson was babysitting Ellie at her house in St Helens, Merseyside, when her son Kiel’s dog launched a ferocious attack.

The dog, Reuben, was shot dead at the scene by police officers.

Simpson was also injured in the attack which happened while Ellie’s parents were celebrating the New Year.

Ellie’s uncle Kiel Simpson, 23, was charged with possession of a dangerous dog under section one of the Dangerous Dog Act.

He was jailed for eight weeks by Liverpool magistrates after pleading guilty.

In April, the Crown Prosecution Service said Simpson had been charged with manslaughter due to gross negligence.

This means that during the trial lawyers will have to prove the grandmother had a duty of care towards Ellie, that she was grossly negligent in breaching that duty and that it led to her granddaughter’s death.

Approximately 50 people attended Ellie’s private family funeral in January this year at Eccleston Christ Church, in St Helens.

Among the mourners were Jackie Simpson, Kiel Simpson and Ellie’s mother, 24-year-old Lindsey Simpson, and her father, 30-year-old Darren Lawrenson.

A card placed in a large white wreath spelling the name ’Ellie’ read: “Our beautiful Ellie. We love and miss you so much, baby. We go to sleep each night just wishing for you to wake us up, singing with the birds.

“God has chosen you to be an angel. If there ever was an angel, it had to be you. Good night sweetie. Mum and Dad x.”

Jackie Simpson needed emergency surgery for arm injuries after the attack.

She will stand trial at Liverpool Crown Court.