Man left with 'horrendous' injuries after he was set on fire
A man has been left with “permanent and horrendous” injuries after he was allegedly doused in accelerant and set alight during a neighbourhood dispute.
Joseph Baldacchino was airlifted to Sydney's Concord Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday night, and later intubated due to swelling on his airways.
It’s alleged the 45-year-old was attacked outside a housing commission unit block in Wollongong, with his girlfriend Laura Kirby diving on top of him in a bid to try and douse the flames.
Victim Joseph Baldacchino. Source: 7 News
Fire attack accused Tim Illingworth. Source: 7 News
“Imagine what he went through,” Mr Baldacchino’s mother Doris said.
“All the fire on his face and everywhere. I could imagine it would have been horrific.
“My heart is breaking, my son is in very much pain and when he comes out, he’s not going to be the same boy I had.”
The Wollongong scene. Source: 7 News
Police claim the couple had a heated argument with neighbor Tim Illingworth over a dog.
It’s alleged the 41-year-old neighbor then sprayed lighter fluid into Mr Baldacchino’s face and ignited it.
“I looked at my window and saw someone on fire... most hectic thing I’ve ever seen,” witness Jeff Richards said.
Laura Kirby has been released from hospital. Source: 7 News
Illingworth was arrested and charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and laying down an explosive.
In court on Wednesday, his lawyer Matt Russoniello said the 41-year-old denied any involvement in the events and allegations he knows the victims.
He said there was little evidence identifying Illingworth as the douser or that canisters of lighter fluid found in his unit had been used.
Tim Illingworth denies any invovlement in the attack. Source: 7 News
"Incidents happen at those premises... on a daily basis," Mr Russoniello said. "To the point he (Illingworth) does not even bother to look out his window... any more."
Prosecutor Coby Davis told the court Illingworth had a record in South Australia and was the subject of an active warrant in that state regarding an alleged assault involving with a weapon.
Magistrate Mark Douglass said he could not be confident Illingworth would not abscond or commit further offences if released, and denied bail.
Illingworth will appear in court again in March.
