‘Arsonist confessed in game of Truth or Dare to killing stepgran, 94’
A CoLLeGe student told friends in a game of Truth or Dare of his ‘darkest secret’ – killing his 94-year-old step-grandmother in a house fire, a jury has heard.
Tiernan Darnton, 20, made the confession weeks after the funeral of Mary Gregory, who was thought to have died in an accidental fire at her bungalow, the court was told.
Mrs Gregory, a heavy smoker, was found in her burning home in Heysham, Lancashire, in the early hours of May 28, 2018. she was taken to hospital where she died on June 1, Preston Crown Court heard.
David McLachlan QC, prosecuting, said after an initial investigation it was assumed that the circumstances leading to her death were accidental. But he added: ‘The prosecution’s case is that far from being a tragic accident, Mary Gregory’s death was brought about by Tiernan Darnton deliberately setting fire to her house.’ The revelation about his Truth or Dare confession followed a counselling session for his mental health issues, the court heard. He spoke of a friend who ‘could send me to prison’, the prosecutor said.
A week later, another session took place where the defendant was joined by his stepfather, Mrs Gregory’s son Chris.
Mr McLachlan said: ‘Chris Gregory said, “Is this all about my mum?”, and Tiernton Darnton volunteered, “I set fire to the curtains with a lighter.”’ A police investigation followed which led detectives to speak to Darnton’s friends, one of whom told of the Truth or Dare game that they had played weeks after Mrs Gregory’s funeral.
The jury was told Darnton was asked to reveal his ‘darkest secret’ and said: ‘I have a
‘Darkest secret’
secret I haven’t told anyone. I may have killed someone.’ He admitted he killed his grandmother, explained how he did it and said he did not want her to suffer any more as she had dementia, the court heard.
Mr McLachlan told the jury a fire expert would tell them that the blaze had been started by naked flame ignition and not by a cigarette.
In a statement to police, Darnton said that despite what he said to the counsellor, he did not deliberately or accidentally start the fire.
He said his comments during the game ‘had to be understood in the context of my mental health issues and... my attention-seeking behaviour at that time’. He denies murder and an alternative count of manslaughter.
The trial continues.