A man has admitted to the murder of a woman who tragically passed away two years after he set her on fire. Leigh Pateman, aged 45, committed this heinous act by pouring petrol over Ellen Marshall, who was 42 years old at the time, and igniting the fuel during an argument in April 2021. As a result, Ms. Marshall sustained severe burns to 80% to 90% of the upper half of her body, forcing her to spend the remainder of her life in hospitals and care facilities until she succumbed to her injuries in March 2023. Pateman had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and received a sentence of 17 years and 10 months in March 2022. Subsequently, he was charged with murder.
The defendant appeared via videolink from HMP Garth at Lincoln Crown Court and confessed to the crime on Friday. Judge Simon Hirst informed Pateman that he would receive a life sentence and that the court would determine the minimum term he must serve. The sentencing is scheduled for 2 December, and the gravity of the offense is evident in the judge’s remarks.
In a similar case, Steven Craig was convicted of murder in 2022 after setting a woman on fire with petrol in 1998, leading to her death 21 years later due to medical complications. This tragic incident parallels the one involving Pateman and Ms. Marshall, underscoring the horrifying nature of such attacks. Detective Inspector Andy McWatt expressed shock and dismay over the brutality of the assault, acknowledging the immense suffering endured by Ms. Marshall and her loved ones. The prolonged agony and fear experienced by the victim and her family emphasize the devastating impact of such crimes.
The collaboration between Lincolnshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service culminated in the murder charge against Pateman, ensuring that justice is served in this harrowing case. The impending sentencing will hopefully provide a sense of closure to the victim’s family, offering some solace after enduring the traumatic aftermath of the crime. These tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions and seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones.
