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A Victorian mother-of-five has been jailed for 12 years after she poured petrol over her husband and set him on fire, causing his death.
Angela Surtees, 35, was sentenced before the Supreme Court this morning, having previously pleaded guilty to the charge of manslaughter.
The court heard that in January 2020 Ms Surtees and her husband, Daniel Surtees, had returned to their Geelong home after arguing at an engagement party.
He was then sitting in his favourite armchair on the porch when she used a jerrycan to pour petrol over and then pulled out a cigarette lighter.
“You threatened Daniel with the lit lighter in close proximity to him… he then burst into flames, becoming largely engulfed,” Justice Andrew Tinney recounted.
Three of the couple’s young children were home at the time.
Mr Surtees’ son tried to put out the blaze with a jug of water but the 36-year-old died from severe burns the following day.
Ms Surtees’ murder charge was downgraded to manslaughter when she previously made a deal with prosecutors, on the basis that she had only intended to scare her husband – rather than end his life.
Justice Tinney described Ms Surtees’ actions as “outrageous”, “horrific” and “disturbing”, saying they were “a serious act of family violence”.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Source: 9News
