Derby fire deaths: Timeline of a tragedy

2 April 2013

11 February - Lisa Willis, Mick Philpott's live-in mistress for the past 12 years, leaves 18 Victory Road, Derby, taking her five children with her. Four of the children are Philpott's. She pretends to take them swimming. This event is said to be the "catalyst" for the fire.
10 March - Police are called to a confrontation in Litton Drive, Spondon, Derby, between Philpott and Ms Willis, her sister Amanda Cousins and brother-in-law Ian Cousins.

17 April - A court hearing is held over a non-molestation order against Philpott. Ms Willis is due to be in court but doesn't attend. The judge is informed the two had been in contact the day before. The non-molestation order is revoked.

11 May - Emergency services are called to a fire at 18 Victory Road in the early hours of the morning. Jade Philpott, 10, John, nine, Jack, eight, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five, die on the morning of the fire. Mrs Philpott's son from a previous relationship, 13-year-old Duwayne, is taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Ms Willis is arrested. Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cotterill says Mick Philpott "appears to have made valiant attempts" to save his children.
Lisa Willis's brother-in-law Ian Cousins is arrested later in the day.
12 May - Ms Willis and Ian Cousins are both released without charge. Police confirm the fire was started deliberately.
14 May - Police confirm that Duwayne has died in hospital.
15 May - Police begin bugging the Philpotts' hotel room at the Premier Inn, Southmead Way, Derby.

16 May - Mick and Mairead Philpott hold a press conference to thank the emergency services, local community and confirm Duwayne's organs were donated to help others.
29 May - Mick and Mairead Philpott are arrested on suspicion of murder.
30 May - Mick and Mairead Philpott are charged with six counts of murder.

20 June - Paul Mosley is arrested but later released on police bail.
22 June - The children's funeral is held. Prison authorities refuse to allow Mick and Mairead Philpott to attend. More than 400 mourners pack into St Mary's Catholic Church in Derby. Close family members then attend the burial at Derby's Nottingham Road cemetery.

5 November - After receiving the results of further forensic tests, centred on petrol analysis and clothing, Paul Mosley is re-arrested. That evening he is charged with six counts of murder and another man is released without charge.
17 December - The charges against the Philpotts and Paul Mosley are reduced from murder to manslaughter. All enter not guilty pleas.

More on this story