Middlesbrough murder charge: man in court over house fire that killed mother and girl, 7

Natalie McDonald, 34, and her niece Valentina Foster, 7, died in a blaze in Grangetown on 26 August. Jaden Wright, 23, has appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with two counts of murder.

Man charged with murder after Grangetown house fire kills mother and seven-year-old

Jaden Wright, 23, appeared before a judge at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday, charged with the murders of Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, seven, who both died in a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of 26 August, the Daily Express reports.

Wright faced two counts of murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent, and two counts of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent at the brief hearing, which lasted around ten minutes. He did not enter pleas. Judge Jonathan Carroll set a trial date of 14 April, with prosecutor Richard Wright KC indicating proceedings were expected to last three weeks. Wright was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing on 23 September, at which he is expected to enter pleas.

Four other people were injured in the blaze, which broke out at a property on the street at approximately 5.30am.

In a statement released by Cleveland Police, Natalie's family paid tribute to the 34-year-old, who had previously been known as Natalie Louise Kirton before marrying Anthony McDonald nine months ago. "She had the biggest, most beautiful wedding; she sparkled like the shining beauty she was," her family said. "She was loved by everyone, she was bright, bubbly and full of life, the heart and soul of our street and community."

The family described her as "a beautiful, kind soul" and said her loss had left those closest to her devastated. "Her nana, grandad, mam and dad are all heartbroken," the statement continued. "Her only daughter who will forever miss her mam."

Natalie had also played a central role in the lives of her nieces and nephews, her family said, describing her as "like a second mother to them."

Earlier in the week, Valentina's family also released a statement. "It is with overwhelming sadness that we share the heartbreaking news that our beloved daughter has passed away," they said. "She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words by her family, friends and everyone whose life she touched."

Source: Daily Express