Sandra See murder: Son found guilty of killing his mother in a devastating fire at their house in Manchester

A vile son who callously killed his own mother in a devastating fire at their Manchester home has been found guilty of murder.

Mark See, 34, doused his mum Sandra in petrol and then started a blaze in the living room of their home in Gorton.

He made no attempt to contact the emergency services and fled the address, being tracked down 16 hours later by police.

Speaking at the end of the trial at Manchester Crown Court in which See was found guilty of murder, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described the case as “truly devastating”.

What happened?

The court heard that See drank a large amount of alcohol during the evening of 13 July last year and when he returned to the address on Darras Road he became drunk and abusive towards Sandra and his fiancee, who was eight weeks pregnant at the time.

He then momentarily went into the rear of the house and returned with a six-pint milk bottle that contained petrol for their lawnmower.

He then set the premises alight, starting the blaze in the living room.

See made no attempt to contact the emergency services and fled the house in his works van moments later.

He was traced 16 hours later in a church yard on Sunbank Lane, near Manchester Airport, with burns to his hands and feet.

Firefighters arrived on scene shortly after 2.30am but sadly Ms See was found dead and could only be identified by a metal plate inserted in her leg.

See was found guilty of his mother’s murder at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday (8 February).

What have the police said about the case?

Police described See as “callous” and “remorseless” in his actions.

Senior investigating officer Phil Reade, from GMP’s major incident support unit, said: “This was a truly devastating case where See’s remorseless actions cost his mother’s life.

“Our thoughts are with Ms See’s family who are still coming to terms with what happened. Throughout the trial they have sat with dignity whilst listening to the evidence of how their mother met her horrific death.

“Sandra was murdered in her own home by her son who callously doused her in petrol, setting her alight and then fled from the scene as fast as he could but was tracked down by police and arrested.

“Throughout the trial he has lacked the courage to face up to his actions causing further pain and distress to his family, but I hope today’s verdict brings them some comfort and justice for the death of their beloved mother.”