WIFEBEATER JAILED FOR SETTING FIRE TO PARTNER'S LEG
Michael Lincoln, aged 56, reportedly poured a substance believed to be vodka onto a woman’s leg before setting it on fire with his lighter.He told police he did this because she knew how to ‘push his buttons’ and maintained she had encouraged him to act.
At Oxford Crown Court, it was disclosed that the woman, who thought she might be pregnant with Lincoln’s child at the time, told him to ‘go on then, do it,’ though she did not intend for him to set her aflame.
The fire melted her jeans onto her leg, and after tearing off her trousers, she suffered a severe burn injury.
A medical report stated that 1% of her total body surface area was affected by the burn, with one percent of this reaching all skin layers to the underlying tissue.
Prosecutor Cathy Olliver quoted the victim’s account, stating: “Mr Lincoln found it amusing and laughed throughout the evening.” Lincoln never apologised but later told her he loved her.
He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Judge Nigel Daly described the act as especially malicious, pointing out that Lincoln poured an unknown inflammable liquid of his partner’s leg, ignited it, and then laughed.
The judge emphasised that the victim’s vulnerability, the use of a dangerous flammable substance, and the deliberate use of what amounted to a weapon justified a high-tier categorisation of the offence.
The court heard the couple had known each other for several years, but their five-week relationship was ‘toxic.’ The incident took place in her apartment in Alice Smith Square, Littlemore, after she received a call from her former partner.
Lincoln was jealous and threatened to burn her; she responded provocatively by telling him to go ahead.
She initially did not seek medical aid, but the burn wound later became infected and required plastic surgery.
She also revealed that Lincoln had assaulted her, punching her in the face, and had damaged her television by throwing a lager can.
Lincoln, from Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, common assault, and criminal damage.
He has a record of over 140 offences.
Gareth James, representing Lincoln, expressed regret over his actions.
Thames Valley Police officer DC Sian Lewis commented on the case, praising the court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence and emphasizing the violent and damaging nature of Lincoln’s conduct, which left the victim scarred for life.
