Store to close for funerals of murdered Leeds mum and two children

Geraldine Newman, 51, and her children 11-year-old Shannon and Shane, six, were found dead at their home on Beeston Way, Allerton Bywater, on Tuesday February 2.

A funeral service for Ms Newman and her two children is due to take place at a church close to Ms Newman’s parents’ home in Anglesey, north Wales, on Monday.

Mourners will then move on to Bangor Crematorium.

Wilko said arrangements have been made for Ms Newman’s work colleagues at the store in Castleford to attend her funeral.

A spokesman said the company will close the store between 12pm and 2pm on Monday.

An inquest opening earlier this month heard preliminary results of forensic post mortems revealed Ms Newman died from head injuries and that Shannon and Shane both died from haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds.

An inquest into the death of the children’s father, Ms Newman’s estranged partner Paul Newman, 44, was also opened.

The unemployed driver of Queen Elizabeth Drive, Normanton, was pronounced dead at 12.30am on February 3 at cliffs at South Stack, Anglesey, in north Wales.

Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

In a statement, a Wilko spokesman said: “Following the tragic loss of Castleford store manager and much-loved team member Geraldine (Gerry) Newman, Wilko has chosen to mark its love and respect by closing the store between midday and 2pm on 29 February to coincide with her funeral.

“Arrangements have been made for our team members who worked with Gerry to attend her funeral. Wilko is grateful to team members from other Wilko stores in the local area for stepping in to make sure we can still open for most of the day whilst they are away.

The spokesman added: “We hope customers will understand the reason behind our decision to close at a time which coincides with Gerry’s funeral. This is a hard time for everyone and our thoughts are with Gerry’s family and friends at this difficult time.”