Man tried to burn family

A BUSINESSMAN who tried to burn his family alive when his firm ran into debt was jailed for life yesterday.

Julian Cox's 60-year-old mother died from severe burns five days after the fire Winchester Crown Court was told. Cox, 30, of Emsworth, Hampshire, was given five life sentences with a recommendation that he serve 20 years. Cox poured petrol around his parents' home in an attempt to murder his mother, father, sister and year-old nephew while they slept.

His plan was only thwarted when his sister Jacquie, 34, engulfed in flames, escaped from the house and raise the alarm. Cox was convicted of murdering his mother Joy, attempting to murder his father Dennis, 67, his sister and her son Timothy.

Mr Justice Turner said Cox's attack was an attempt to solve his financial problems.