Monster is jailed for murdering ex who died two years after she was doused in petrol and set alight in horror attack
A MONSTER has been jailed for murdering his ex who died two years after she was doused in petrol and set alight.
Leigh Pateman, 45, caused “significant” burns to 90 per cent of Ellen Marshall’s body during the horror attack in April 2021.
Ellen, who was 42 at the time, was given a 50 per cent chance of survival but went on to live for another two years.
She tragically died in Nottingham City Hospital in March 2023 after requiring round-the-clock care and a ventilator to help her breathe.
Pateman was previously jailed for grievous bodily harm with intent following the savage attack.
He has now been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 23 years and 145 days after pleading guilty to the more serious charge of murder following Ellen’s death.
Ellen had been sitting in an armchair at home in Skegness when her ex-partner poured petrol over her and set her alight.
The cowardly thug fled on his bike and left Ellen for dead in the flat.
She was discovered when firefighters arrived at the home and heard gurgling noises.
The mum suffered horrific burns, lost several fingers and her hair and had to undergo 12 hours of surgery when she first arrived at hospital.
Ellen’s eyes were also severely damaged and she struggled to breathe for herself.
Pateman, whose face was left charred in the attack, was jailed in 2022 for 21 years.
At the time, Judge Simon Hirst said: “Ellen’s injuries are irreversible and she will never be able to return to her former life.
“It is difficult to think of a crueller crime than setting someone alight.”
How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – messageinfo@supportline.org.uk.
Women’s Aid provides a live chat service – available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Ellen’s daughter Paige Clarke paid tribute to her mum in a Facebook post following her death.
She said: “No more pain and suffering now mum.
“Sleep well and I will see you soon. I love you.”