bloodrayne
08-05-2004, 08:41 AM
Man Jailed For Burning Girlfriend
Gavin Giles had methanol on hand for use with model cars
A man who scarred his girlfriend for life when he set fire to her has been sent to prison for 12 years.
Gavin Giles, 33, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to childhood sweetheart Kerry Wilson last year.
The court heard Giles, who suffered mood swings, had been drinking at Miss Wilson's home in Aylsham, Norfolk when he tried to harm himself with a knife.
He then poured methanol over the woman and flicked a lighter several times to set her alight.
Miss Wilson, 30, spent four weeks in hospital recovering from the attack on November 22.
She suffered 32% burns to her body, partial disability because of nerve damage and permanent scarring.
The incident was witnessed by two 14-year-old girls staying at her house in Rippingall Road.
Det Con Rob Devlin, of Norfolk Constabulary, said: "This is one of the most horrific cases I've ever dealt with where the victim hasn't actually died.
"The degree of burning and physical scarring to the victim is beyond belief.
'Personality Disorder'
"She has got an immense strength of character and I think everybody who has been involved with the investigation has been touched by her kindness and her forgiveness."
The court heard Giles had a "long-standing problem" with alcohol and a personality disorder which was aggravated by drink.
He had in the past been convicted of violence, public order offences and assault.
Ian James, defending Giles, said his client was sorry for what had occurred and had pleaded guilty to spare Miss Wilson and the girls staying with her from having to relive the incident.
At sentencing, Judge Simon Barhal said Kerry Wilson had done nothing to provoke the attack, which he called "an appalling incident of violence".
He added that 12 years was longer than usual for grievous bodily harm with intent, but said it was his duty to protect the public from Gavin Giles.
Gavin Giles had methanol on hand for use with model cars
A man who scarred his girlfriend for life when he set fire to her has been sent to prison for 12 years.
Gavin Giles, 33, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to childhood sweetheart Kerry Wilson last year.
The court heard Giles, who suffered mood swings, had been drinking at Miss Wilson's home in Aylsham, Norfolk when he tried to harm himself with a knife.
He then poured methanol over the woman and flicked a lighter several times to set her alight.
Miss Wilson, 30, spent four weeks in hospital recovering from the attack on November 22.
She suffered 32% burns to her body, partial disability because of nerve damage and permanent scarring.
The incident was witnessed by two 14-year-old girls staying at her house in Rippingall Road.
Det Con Rob Devlin, of Norfolk Constabulary, said: "This is one of the most horrific cases I've ever dealt with where the victim hasn't actually died.
"The degree of burning and physical scarring to the victim is beyond belief.
'Personality Disorder'
"She has got an immense strength of character and I think everybody who has been involved with the investigation has been touched by her kindness and her forgiveness."
The court heard Giles had a "long-standing problem" with alcohol and a personality disorder which was aggravated by drink.
He had in the past been convicted of violence, public order offences and assault.
Ian James, defending Giles, said his client was sorry for what had occurred and had pleaded guilty to spare Miss Wilson and the girls staying with her from having to relive the incident.
At sentencing, Judge Simon Barhal said Kerry Wilson had done nothing to provoke the attack, which he called "an appalling incident of violence".
He added that 12 years was longer than usual for grievous bodily harm with intent, but said it was his duty to protect the public from Gavin Giles.