Ballroom champ on trial for setting light to partner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Perth, (AP) - An Australian champion ballroom dancer is to stand trial on a charge of attempting to murder his wife and dancing partner by dousing her in petrol and setting her on fire. Michael Withers, who pleaded not guilty to attempting to murder Stacey Withers after she allegedly refused to give him money to go to a casino when he was drunk, was committed to stand trial in July.
At the time of the alleged incident last November the couple, who had been married for more than two years, were thereigning West Australian state champion ballroom dancers.
During Monday's committal hearing, Mrs Withers - who was wearing a surgical suit which covered her body and face - told Perth magistrates' court that her husband had threatened to teach her a lesson when she refused to give him money. She said he soaked her in petrol at their home.
"He walked towards me and tipped the jerry can of petrol over my head. He then walked around me throwing the petrol on my arms and on my back," she told the court
"I was in shock. I was soaked in petrol. He told me not to move or I was dead. He then reached into the kitchen and grabbed a cigarette lighter.
"He grabbed my T-shirt and pulled it out of my shorts and ignited the cigarette lighter. He ignited the flame on my T-shirt and I went up in fire. I heard him yell 'What have I done?' I turned my back to him and ran away and dived on to the concrete to try to smother the flames."
Mrs Withers spent two months in hospital suffering from third-degree burns to 60 per cent of her body. She said she needs to wear the body suit full time for the next two years to minimise scarring.
Mr Withers declined to tell his side of the story. His lawyer argued that there was no proof that he had intended to kill his wife when he set her on fire.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments