Shania Care-Slede, 20, has pleaded not guilty to two arson charges linked to a huge wildfire on moors near Dovestone Reservoir. She appeared via videolink at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, August 21, to enter pleas to three counts.
Pleas entered on three charges
Ms Care-Slede, wearing a white top and black blazer, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving but not guilty to charges of arson and aggravated arson. The aggravated arson charge alleges that on July 11, 2026, she destroyed by fire moorland belonging to United Utilities, being reckless as to whether the life of others was endangered.
The separate arson charge states that on the same date, without lawful excuse, she destroyed by fire moorland belonging to United Utilities, being reckless as to whether it was destroyed or damaged. The dangerous driving charge relates to driving an Audi Q2 in a dangerous manner near Dovestones on the same date.
Sentencing date set
Ms Care-Slede, formerly of Hyde, is understood to no longer reside in Greater Manchester and was said to be 250 miles away in the south of England. She is due to be sentenced for dangerous driving on September 29.
