Man who doused partner in petrol is jailed

A man who doused his partner in petrol and set fire to her has been handed an extended sentence of more than 21 years.

Leigh Pateman picked up a jerry can of petrol during an argument at his Skegness home on 22 April, 2021 before pouring it into the lap of Ellen Marshall, who was sat in an armchair. He then ignited it with his lighter.

Pateman had claimed that the petrol had been bought for his strimmer, that he had only poured the petrol on Ellen to scare her, and was then simply messing around with his lighter.

Following the incident Pateman fled the address, but was later arrested by our officers at his mother’s house.

Emergency services were called at around 10.30pm and Ellen was rushed to hospital with between 80 per cent and 90 per cent burns to the top half of her body. She was transferred to a specialist burns unit and underwent around 12 hours of surgery, having been given less than a 50 per cent chance of survival.

Ellen has since lost several fingers and remains at Nottingham City Hospital.

Detective Inspector Andy McWatt said: “This is such a tragic incident that has left Ellen with life-changing injuries. She is likely not to ever make a full recovery. I hope this sentence will bring some closure to the family.”

Pateman, 43, of Firbeck Avenue, Skegness, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was sentenced to 17 years and ten months and will serve a further four years on license after his release.