Latest news with #StHelens
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
First picture of man accused of killing couple in arson attack
A man accused of killing an elderly couple in a house fire has been pictured for the first time. Lee Owens, 46, is accused of the murders of Eric Greener, 77, and his partner Sheila Jackson, 83, who both died following the fire at their home on South John Street, St Helens, on Tuesday, July 15. Owens made his first appearance in Liverpool Magistrates Court yesterday morning, charged with two counts of murder and two counts of arson with intent to endanger life. Appearing in the docks wearing a grey sweatshirt, he spoke only to confirm his date of birth and lack of a fixed address. No indication of plea was given. The case was immediately sent to the Crown Court, where Owens is due to appear on Tuesday, July 29. READ MORE: Bar on one of Liverpool's most famous streets faces council investigation READ MORE: KFC to take over site on street filled with rivals Owens was denied bail due to the seriousness of the charges. Brian Jackson, defending, said: "There is no opportunity for bail and the matter needs to go to the Crown Court." Bench chairman Mark Appleton said: "We have heard this court cannot deal with (the case) and it will now need to be brought to Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday morning. Until then you are remanded in custody." Paying tribute to Ms Greener and Mc Jackson in the wake of the incident, the family said in a statement: "Sheila and Eric, also known as our Queen and King, were a deeply loved mum, nan, great nan, sister, auntie, dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and couple. 'They were known for being the life and soul of the party, always loving a song on the karaoke and enjoying a great caravan holiday. They will forever be devastatingly missed but eternally loved by their family, friends and the community.' In the days following the fatal fire, Merseyside Police said accelerant had been used. Neighbours told the ECHO how the front door was enveloped in flames, slowing down firefighters' attempts to rescue the couple. Speaking to the ECHO from Merseyside Police's HQ, detective superintendent Rachel Wilson said the grandparents had been together for 30 years and had been living at the address in St Helens for 15 years. Detective chief inspector Steve McGrath, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Firstly, I want to express my condolences to the family of Mr Greener and Ms Jackson as this tragic time and we have specialist officers in place to support them. 'This is a truly shocking incident and I'm sure that the community and everyone in Merseyside will be utterly appalled at what has happened. 'It's difficult to comprehend how someone could deliberately start a fire while two elderly people are inside the home. It's absolutely sickening, and we are determined to find the person or people responsible. 'An investigation is ongoing as we look to establish exactly why this has happened and we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 'If you live in this community and saw or heard something suspicious at any point during this evening, please let us know as a matter of urgency. 'Also, if you have CCTV or a smart doorbell, take the time to review any footage you have to see if you captured anything that could prove to be significant. Even if it appears to be a small detail, it could end up being vital to our inquiries. 'I would also ask that any drivers who have dashcam footage and were in the area of South John Street and Parr Street between midnight and 1am to contact us if you have captured anything significant.'
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ray French, legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' dies at 85
The world of rugby league is mourning the loss of legendary commentator Ray French, who has passed away at the age of 85. The St Helens-born icon, known as the 'Voice of Rugby League', had been battling dementia in recent years. French's illustrious career spanned over three decades with the BBC, taking over from Edding Waring in 1981 and remaining a beloved figure on air for an impressive 38 years. He was also a former international player in both union and league, earning him an MBE in 2011 for his services to rugby league. (Image: PA) The BBC shared the sad news on their social media, stating: "Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85. Our thoughts, from everybody at BBC Sport, are with all his family and friends." After confirming his passing, the BBC will be airing a re-run of a episode of Rugby League Heroes from 2016 which featured French. Tributes are flooding in following the sad news. The charity RL Cares posted on X saying: "Sad news Ray French MBE, the former St Helens, Widnes and Great Britain international and for many years the voice of rugby league on the BBC passed away earlier today. (Image: Mike Brett/Popperfoto via) "Ray, who has been suffering from dementia in recent years, was 85. Thoughts are with Ray's family." His successor at the BBC, Dave Woods, added: "So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. You always wanted to be in his company." Former Widnes and Great Britain star Jonathan Davies also wrote: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legend rugby player and broadcaster. I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. "Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game. RIP Ray my condolences to all your family and friends." (Image: The FA via Getty Images) Leeds Rhinos hall of famer Barrie McDermott described French as a 'genuine legend'. "Really sad news," McDermott posted. "A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time. Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray." French played for England in union, winning four caps in the second row in 1961 before moving to league. He signed for his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup five years later. In 1968, he appeared four times for Great Britain in international league. French left to join Widnes after 204 matches in Saints colours and played 123 times for the Chemics. French also had a career away from the pitch. He was a rugby master at Cowley High School.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rugby league legend French dies aged 85
Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of 85. French, a dual code rugby international as a player, commentated on every Challenge Cup final for BBC TV from 1981 to 2008. He earned four rugby union caps as a second-row forward for England in 1961, before switching to league, playing four times for Great Britain in 1968. At club level, he played league for St Helens from 1961 to 1967, making more than 200 appearances, before joining Widnes. The Rugby Football League, the English game's governing body, said: "The Rugby Football League sends condolences to the family, former team-mates, media colleagues and many friends of Ray French. "Ray made an immense and unique contribution to the sport of rugby league." French, who had a long career as an English teacher as well as being a commentator, started out as a rugby union player for St Helens RUFC. After switching codes in 1961, he was quickly named captain of the town's rugby league side, where he won the Championship and Challenge Cup. He was part of the Great Britain squad who travelled to Australia and New Zealand in 1968, for a tour that included that year's World Cup. After retiring from playing, he started a job at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later became a BBC TV summariser in 1979. In 1981, he replaced Eddie Waring as the BBC's lead rugby league commentator. French went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in rugby league before retiring from commentary in 2019. "Ray French was a true giant in the sport of Rugby League," said Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport Events. "Following his remarkable playing career - an international in both rugby codes - he became the voice of the sport. For nearly 40 years, his distinctive, warm, energetic and enthusiastic commentary magnificently embellished the BBC's coverage of the game. "He was such a likeable and engaging broadcaster, and, for those lucky enough to know him, a really wonderful, loveable man. We are so saddened by the news today and send all our thoughts and sympathies to Ray's family." French was given a place on the Rugby Football League's Roll of Honour in 2008. In the 2011 New Year Honours, French was made an MBE for his services to rugby league. St Helens said the club were "deeply saddened" by his death, and added: "His legacy as a Saint will see him long remembered by both our club and town, but his voice will be forever connected to countless memories for supporters of so many clubs across the country. "Succeeding the great Eddie Waring as the BBC's rugby league commentator, French was the voice of almost 30 Challenge Cup finals, as well as thousands more matches for BBC Radio." Ray French's golden BBC commentary moments 'The voice of rugby league for a generation' Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens, said: "Ray French was a giant of a man in every sense of the word. "He touched and influenced so many people and in so many good and lasting ways during his rich and varied life as a schoolmaster, a rugby player and a broadcaster. "His warm personality and unique voice will be sorely missed by all. But he leaves a permanent and meaningful legacy to so many in his home town of St Helens and throughout his beloved sport of rugby league. "One of my greatest privileges as chairman of St Helens over the last 25 years was getting to know Ray as a friend as well as an iconic figure in our sport. "His loss is keenly felt and we all pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family to whom he was so close." Nigel Wood, chair of Rugby League Commercial, said: "Ray French was one of the true gentlemen of rugby league and represented the finest qualities of the sport. "A great player, broadcaster and a huge influence behind the scenes, and always as a force for good." Leeds Rhinos posted: "Sad news today of the passing of rugby league legend Ray French MBE. "Ray followed up a wonderful career as a player to become the voice of Rugby League for a generation of supporters. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, Ray French RIP." Former Leeds Rhinos player Barrie McDermott wrote: "Really sad news. A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time. "Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray." Jonathan Davies - a dual code international who represented Great Britain at league - said: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legendary rugby player and broadcaster. "I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope rugby league appreciated what great work did for the game. "RIP Ray. My condolences to all your family and friends."
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Rugby league legend French dies aged 85
Rugby league great Ray French, who commentated on the sport for the BBC over four decades, has died at the age of a dual code rugby international as a player, commentated on every Challenge Cup final for BBC TV from 1982 to earned four rugby union caps as a second-row forward for England in 1961, before switching to league, playing four times for Great Britain in club level, he played league for St Helens from 1961 to 1967, making more than 200 appearances, before joining Rugby Football League, the English game's governing body, said: "The Rugby Football League sends condolences to the family, former team-mates, media colleagues and many friends of Ray French. "Ray made an immense and unique contribution to the sport of rugby league." French, who had a long career as an English teacher as well as being a commentator, started out as a rugby union player for St Helens switching codes in 1961, he was quickly named captain of the town's rugby league side, where he won the Championship and Challenge was part of the Great Britain squad who travelled to Australia and New Zealand in 1968, for a tour that included that year's World retiring from playing, he started a job at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975 and later became a BBC TV summariser in 1979. In 1981, he replaced Eddie Waring as the BBC's lead rugby league went on to become one of the most recognisable voices in rugby league before retiring from commentary in his time in commentary he was also appointed as the rugby league correspondent for the Today newspaper when it was launched in was given a place on the Rugby Football League's Roll of Honour in the 2011 New Year Honours, French was made an MBE for his services to rugby Helens said the club were "deeply saddened" by his death, and added: "His legacy as a Saint will see him long remembered by both our club and town, but his voice will be forever connected to countless memories for supporters of so many clubs across the country. "Succeeding the great Eddie Waring as the BBC's rugby league commentator, French was the voice of almost 30 Challenge Cup finals, as well as thousands more matches for BBC Radio." 'The voice of rugby league for a generation' Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens, said: "Ray French was a giant of a man in every sense of the word."He touched and influenced so many people and in so many good and lasting ways during his rich and varied life as a schoolmaster, a rugby player and a broadcaster."His warm personality and unique voice will be sorely missed by all. But he leaves a permanent and meaningful legacy to so many in his home town of St Helens and throughout his beloved sport of rugby league."One of my greatest privileges as chairman of St Helens over the last 25 years was getting to know Ray as a friend as well as an iconic figure in our sport."His loss is keenly felt and we all pass on our heartfelt condolences to his family to whom he was so close."Nigel Wood, chair of Rugby League Commercial, said: "Ray French was one of the true gentlemen of rugby league and represented the finest qualities of the sport. "A great player, broadcaster and a huge influence behind the scenes, and always as a force for good."Leeds Rhinos posted: "Sad news today of the passing of rugby league legend Ray French MBE. "Ray followed up a wonderful career as a player to become the voice of Rugby League for a generation of supporters. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, Ray French RIP."Former Leeds Rhinos player Barrie McDermott wrote: "Really sad news. A genuine rugby league legend and the voice of our sport for so many. A master of his trade, a man who had time for everyone. Always good with me, generous with his advice and kind with his time."Thoughts with his family and many friends. Rest In Peace Ray."Jonathan Davies - a dual code international who represented Great Britain at league - said: "Really sad news of the passing of my friend and legendary rugby player and broadcaster. "I know Ray had not been well for a while so I hope he passed peacefully. Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope rugby league appreciated what great work did for the game."RIP Ray. My condolences to all your family and friends."
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Ray French, former BBC rugby league commentator, dies aged 85
Ray French, the former rugby league commentator, has died at the age of 85. He had been living with dementia. He played internationally in union, winning four caps in the second row for England in 1961, before moving to league and joining his home town club, St Helens, that year and helped them win the Challenge Cup in 1966. He appeared four times for Great Britain, in 1968. After 204 appearances for Saints he joined Widnes in 1967, playing 123 games for the Chemics. Away from the pitch he was rugby master at Cowley high school. French succeeded Eddie Waring as the BBC's rugby league commentator in 1981 and retired in 2019. In 2011, he was awarded an MBE for services to rugby league. Dave Woods, his successor at the BBC, said on X: 'So many fabulous memories of Ray as both friend and colleague. He injected incredible warmth and passion in his commentary and journalism. Just a wonderful, kind and humble man. You always wanted to be in his company.' Jonathan Davies, his co-commentator on the BBC for many years, said on X: 'Had many great days with Ray he was such a lovely man. I hope the RL appreciated what great work did for the game.'
