John FitzGerald represents defendant who set man on fire after building site dispute

John FitzGerald has represented a defendant who set a colleague on fire following a building site dispute. He was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The defendant, a family man with no history of offending whatsoever, lost his temper with another building site worker over a petty dispute.

The defendant followed him into the canteen at lunchtime and poured petrol on him.  When the man tested the defendant and pointed out he didn’t have a lighter, the defendant picked one up and set him on fire.

Colleagues rushed to smother the man as the defendant watched.

The incident took place in Tunbridge Wells and the case was heard at Maidstone Crown Court.