Vulin's burns injuries 'exaggerated'
Television footage shows burns victim Dana Vulin's injuries did not have the effect on her life that she described before her attacker was jailed for 17 years, three appeal judges have been told.
Natalie Dimitrovska was jailed in 2013 for the attack on Ms Vulin, who was burnt to more than half of her body when she was set alight.
The mother of one doused Ms Vulin with methylated spirits and set her on fire after breaking into her apartment.
At an appeal hearing today, Dimitrovska’s lawyer David Grace said footage of Ms Vulin for Channel 7’s Sunday Night program showed the effect of the crime on her life was not as severe as she described in her victim impact statement.
He made mention of scenes showing her boxing, enjoying a birthday party and spending time with her dog.
"It is accepted that the injuries have had an adverse impact on her quality of life psychically and psychologically," he said.
"Ms Vulin, the victim, has accomplished to her great credit a remarkable recovery."
Mr Grace argued Dimitrovska’s 15-year non-parole period was too long.
Dimitrovska's sentence for maiming Ms Vulin was just three years less than the maximum penalty.
Prosecutor Bruno Fiannaca said the footage did not contradict the sentencing judge's findings.
He said Ms Vulin tried to put on the best face possible during the filming of the program in an attempt to inspire others.
"There is no basis to conclude that Your Honour sentenced on a wrong factual basis," he said.
The Court of Appeal judges reserved their decision.
