‘Die’ said man as he set ex on fire
A man who poured petrol on his former partner and set her alight – while she was holding their 3-month old baby – has been jailed for 51⁄ years.
Shiva Lachman Anand, 33, was sentenced at the Rotorua District Court yesterday in a case Judge Philip Cooper described as ‘‘an extreme example of domestic violence’’.
The arson attack, and a preceding assault, were also witnessed by the victim’s 9-year-old daughter.
The police summary said an argument began about accusations of infidelity before Anand’s former partner removed the key to the home from his key ring, prompting him to demand it back.
‘‘[The victim] refused at which point the defendant has pushed the victim up against the wall and placed her in a headlock, restricting her ability to move.’’
Anand eventually left after the victim’s eldest daughter screamed at him.
An angry exchange of text messages followed, before Anand returned demanding to see the victim’s phone.
He was holding a petrol can and lighter.
‘‘The defendant has continued to demand the cellphone and then began to splash petrol around the lounge and kitchen area,’’ the summary said.
The victim attempted to wrestle the petrol can from Anand – all the time holding their three-month-old baby.
The defendant then poured petrol onto the victim, which splashed onto her boots, and yelled ‘‘You’re going to die b...h’’ and ‘‘show me your phone or I’ll burn your house down’’.
Then Anand set the petrol alight.
The victim and children fled the property with Anand following ‘‘throwing the petrol can at them’’.
Anand’s former partner suffered sustained bruising to her hands, forearms and head, while both children were left deeply traumatised by the events.
Cooper revealed the arson caused $185,000 worth of damage to the property and destroyed all the victim’s and her childrens’ possessions, all of which were uninsured.
He said a pre-sentence report found Anand lacked insight into the consequences of his actions, which he said were ‘‘fuelled by maliciousness and spiteful intent’’.