Australian Woman Sets Friend on Fire Over Misogynistic Remark

Violent Party Incident Turns Tragic

On 7 January, 2024, a night of drinking in Howlong, New South Wales ended in horror when 24-year-old Corbie Jean Walpole set her longtime friend, Jake Loader, on fire following a heated exchange. Walpole pleaded guilty to one count of burning or maiming using corrosive fluid after dousing Loader with petrol and igniting him with a lighter.

The incident took place around 5am after a party where both had consumed large amounts of alcohol, and Walpole had taken cocaine. According to court proceedings, the pair had argued throughout the night, with Loader reportedly antagonising Walpole repeatedly.

The situation escalated when he made a misogynistic remark suggesting she belonged in the kitchen rather than drinking with men.

Overcome with rage, Walpole left the gathering, retrieved a five-litre petrol container from her garage, returned, and poured the fuel over Loader.

She then threatened him with a lighter. Loader reportedly dared her to go through with it—prompting Walpole to ignite the flame, setting him ablaze.

Severe and Lasting Injuries

Loader, then 23, suffered burns to 55% of his body. He was placed in a medically induced coma for eight days, underwent 10 operations, and spent 74 days in a burns unit at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital. The burns caused permanent damage, including the loss of sweat glands and inability to safely expose his skin to sunlight.

His recovery has also imposed a financial burden on his family, who supported him throughout his hospitalisation.

Loader’s victim impact statement, read in court, described how the attack severely disrupted his life and affected everyone around him.

Court Hears of Mental Health and Substance Struggles

Walpole admitted to the act and expressed deep remorse during her court appearance, stating that she felt overwhelmed and pushed to the edge by Loader’s persistent antagonism. Her defence argued that she was suffering from depression, triggered by a difficult breakup in 2022, which led to a pattern of substance abuse.

While her lawyer maintained she had lost control in the moment, the prosecution asserted that Walpole had time to walk away and that her reaction was grossly disproportionate.

Walpole told the court she still struggles to accept the severity of her actions and wishes she could undo the damage caused. She acknowledged the pain inflicted on Loader and his family and described feeling guilty and remorseful.

Sentencing Awaited

Walpole has since been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for the incident.

The case has drawn public attention in Australia and abroad for the extreme consequences of a confrontation between friends, highlighting the complex intersections of mental health, substance abuse, and gendered violence.

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A woman who set her childhood friend on fire after he made what she deemed misogynistic comments has been jailed for a minimum four and half years. Corbie Walpole had hoped to receive a non-custodial sentence but was put away for a maximum seven years and six months after a judge rejected her plea for mercy. Walpole had faced a maximum 25 years for setting Mr Loader ablaze as he sat on a chair in her backyard, early last year. Read more at DailyMail.com #australia #fire #friend #crime #woman #court #misogynistic

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