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Man 'set wife on fire'
Thursday, 18 December 2008
A man set fire to his wife during a row over his online gambling, it was claimed in the High Court yesterday.
Prosecutors alleged that Olgierd Wasilewski (28) poured lighter fluid over her and set her alight with a cigarette lighter at their home in Lisburn, Co Antrim.
Crown counsel Christine Smith told the court the woman suffered superficial burns and had to have hair cut off following the alleged attack. But a defence lawyer disputed the case against Wasilewski, claiming the accused’s wife had a history of self-harm.
Wasilewski, a computer programmer from Lagan Walk, Lisburn, faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm with intent and criminal damage over the incident on October 25. The court heard police found the accused and his wife in the kitchen of their home after being phoned for help.
Mrs Smith said the injured party “confirmed she had an argument with the defendant over his online gambling” and had been attacked after hiding a router to prevent her husband accessing the internet. But Conn O’Neill, counsel for the accused, said his client enjoyed a presumption of innocence and had set out his defence during police interview. Mr Justice Treacy said it was not for him to decide on claims that the woman set fire to herself.
The accused was granted bail on stringent conditions, which included cash sureties being lodged with the court and a ban on Wasilewski going into Lisburn apart from to work, and having no contact with his wife.
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