In a devastating case, Jamie Barrow has been found guilty of murdering his neighbours, a mother and her two young daughters, who tragically lost their lives in a flat fire. The incident occurred in Clifton, Nottingham, last year.
Barrow admitted to starting the fire but claimed that he was unaware the victims, Fatoumatta Hydara, 28, and her daughters Fatimah Drammeh, three, and Naeemah Drammeh, one, were inside the flat at the time. However, Nottingham Crown Court heard evidence that would suggest otherwise. A pram was found outside the front door, and the light was visible from the hallway of the first-floor flat, indicating that someone was present.
Prosecutors also highlighted that Barrow ignored the pleas for help from those trapped inside the burning flat and took no action to assist them. Aboubacarr Drammeh, husband and father of the victims, described Barrow as “utterly heartless and cruel,” causing “a multigenerational trauma that we will never understand.”
After the verdict was delivered, Mr. Drammeh read a statement on behalf of the family, expressing the immeasurable suffering they have endured due to Barrow’s actions. He emphasized the emotional, psychological, physiological, and financial impact caused by the crime committed by Jamie Barrow.
Barrow, who resided in the neighboring flat in Fairisle Close, previously pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the trio but was found guilty of murder by the jury. He admitted to consuming several cans of San Miguel lager before starting the fire by pouring petrol through the letterbox of the victims’ flat. The prosecution stated that Barrow had a grievance related to rubbish left in an alleyway.
Members of the victims’ families wept as the jury unanimously convicted Barrow of murder after nearly seven hours of deliberation. He was also found guilty of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
The devastating loss of Fatoumatta, Fatimah, and Naeemah has left their family with unimaginable pain and distress. Detective Chief Inspector Clare Dean of Nottinghamshire Police’s major crime unit described Barrow as a “cruel and dangerous man.” The sentencing of Jamie Barrow will take place on Friday.
The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact that such acts of violence have on individuals and their communities. The victims, who had dreams and aspirations for the future, were taken away in the cruelest way imaginable. Their loved ones will forever bear the weight of this senseless tragedy.
