Arsonist admits killing heavily pregnant mum-to-be in tower block fire

AN arsonist today admitted killing a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn baby after starting a fire on the ninth floor of a tower block.

Khabi Abrey, 30, died in hospital two days after the blaze and her baby died from a cardiac arrest caused by the mum-to-be's inhalation of fumes.

Her husband Stuart was at the Old Bailey to hear neighbour Lillo Troisi, 48, plead guilty.

He admitted manslaughter and arson at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, on May 7. Charges of murder, aggravated arson and child destruction were left to lie on file.

Wearing a black fleece and with grey hair, Troisi spoke to enter his pleas and sat staring ahead throughout the rest of the hearing.

Simon Spence QC, prosecuting, told the court: "Those pleas were indicated to the Crown some time ago. They were considered in conference.

"It seems to the Crown they are acceptable pleas. Proving murder in cases such as this is always difficult."

Mrs Justice McGowan told Troisi: "Your pleas of guilty have been accepted.

"At some stage you will be sentenced, but I need to know both for your sake, and for the protection of the public most importantly, whether you need to be in hospital or whether you will be in prison.

"Your case cannot be dealt with today. Another psychiatrist, at least one, is going to come and see you."

Troisi was remanded in custody. Sentencing was adjourned for psychiatric reports, and a date is yet to be fixed.

After Mrs Abrey died, a friend launched a crowdfunding page to support her grieving family. It has so far raised nearly £3,000.

Her friend Sis Simiah wrote on the page: "This has left a distraught family in total shock and disbelief.

"We want to raise funds to help cover any financial difficulties this tragic loss has brought about to heart and home.

"Can you even begin to imagine how heavy this situation could strike us in our lives, especially when in close preparation for the birth of their first child?

"Please help this worthy cause."