LEIGH PATEMAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR FATAL SKAGNESS FIRE THAT CLAIMED ELLEN MARSHALL'S LIFE

A man responsible for a devastating act of arson that ultimately led to the death of his girlfriend has been handed a life sentence. Leigh Pateman, aged 45, committed a heinous act on April 22, 2021, at his residence in Skegness, Lincolnshire, when he poured petrol over Ellen Marshall and deliberately set her ablaze during a heated argument. The attack left Ms Marshall with severe burns covering approximately 80% of her body, causing her immense pain and suffering.

In the months following the incident, Pateman was initially charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. In March 2022, he pleaded guilty to this charge and was subsequently sentenced to 17 years and 10 months in prison. However, the legal proceedings continued as Ms Marshall's condition worsened, and she succumbed to her injuries on March 11, 2023. This tragic development led to additional charges of murder being brought against Pateman.

At Lincoln Crown Court on a recent Monday, Pateman faced the court once more, where he pleaded guilty to the charge of murder. The judge, Simon Hirst, sentenced him to a minimum term of 23 years and 145 days behind bars. The court was told that the cause of Ms Marshall's death was pneumonia, which developed as a complication of the extensive injuries inflicted upon her during the attack. Judge Hirst emphasized that there was evidence of significant premeditation, noting that Pateman had planned the assault and had a disturbing pattern of threatening Ms Marshall in the weeks leading up to the incident.

The court also heard that Pateman had previously threatened to kill his partner by setting her on fire and had kept petrol at his property, although Ms Marshall did not believe him at the time. During the sentencing, Judge Hirst remarked on the severity of the injuries, stating,