Rowley Regis petrol attack accused says it was suicide bid
A man accused of pouring petrol over his ex-girlfriend has told a court that he was trying to kill himself – not her.
Damion Sheldon, of Russells Hall Road, Dudley, is accused of setting Louise Pilkington alight outside her home in Rowley Regis.
The 42-year-old is on trial for attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent, which he denies.
He told a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court that he had taken a can of petrol to the doorstep of his ex-girlfriend's home to kill himself so she would 'see the pain' he said she caused him when their nine-month relationship ended weeks before.
Sheldon said: "I wanted Louise to find me. I wanted her to see me and feel my pain."
The cable fitter added: "She destroyed me – totally and utterly destroyed me.
"I was besotted with her. I still loved her but she wouldn't talk to me."
The court previously heard that Sheldon poured petrol through the letterbox of Miss Pilkington's Haden Walk home in the early hours of December 2.
Prosecutor Mr Hugh O'Brien Quinn told the jury that the barking of her dog brought her to the front door where he set her on fire.
But yesterday Sheldon, who was separated from his second wife at the time, said he did not remember pouring petrol through the letterbox or Miss Pilkington's dog barking – but he did remember Miss Pilkington opening the door.
He added: "Louise pushed past me as I ignited the petrol I'd poured over me."
The court was told that a 13-month-old baby had to be rescued from inside the property and yesterday the jury also heard from Oldbury firefighter Nathan Carter who rescued the youngster, following unsuccessful attempts by neighbours to get inside the property.
The baby had to be resuscitated but a nine-year-old child also in the house at the time escaped unharmed.
Jurors have been told that Sheldon had downed half a bottle of whisky, six litres of cider and some vodka before going to Miss Pilkington's home.
They also heard that he left her four phone messages in the day before the fire, one of which said: 'thanks love. You've destroyed me. Absolutely destroyed me'.
The trial continues.
