The family of a teenager who was allegedly set on fire in a small New South Wales town earlier this month have revealed he is still intensive care after suffering horrific burns.
Police allege Jacob Thompson, 19, was doused in a flammable liquid and set alight by indigenous man Aaron Valette, also 19, on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran at about 6pm on October 13. Passers-by helped extinguish the flames and Jacob was flown to Sydney’s Concord Hospital.
Valette was arrested at a nearby property and charged with “cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent” and affray, and last week his Legal Aid lawyer for applied for bail, arguing his client was a “vulnerable, young, aboriginal man”, Newswire reported.
Magistrate Fiona McCarron refused bail, calling him a “real risk to the community at large”, and the prosecution told the court the alleged attack was the result of an “ongoing feud” between two local families.
Jacob’s family, who have since fled the town out of fears for their safety, have started a GoFundMe to help with the “overwhelming costs ahead”.
“Jacob sustained 3rd-degree burns to over 32% of his body, including his face, torso, both arms, back, and legs. Due to the severity of his injuries and the damage to his airways, Jacob was flown to Sydney and placed into an induced coma on life support,” the online fundraiser states.
“This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal.
“Jacob now faces a long and painful journey of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and ultimately, the need to relocate to a safe environment for his treatment and the entire family’s health and wellbeing.”
The family told The Daily Telegraph Jacob was suffering from breathing and vision issues but was making small improvements.
“Jacob has been very emotional, and he is currently trying to come to terms with his injuries,” they said.
“He remains positive despite what he has had to endure over the past two weeks.”
Police allege Valette, accompanied by 45-year-old Mavis Chatfield and another female, approached Jacob while armed with a bottle containing clear fluid.
He allegedly said “if you come any closer I’ll burn you” before dousing Jacob in the liquid and set him on fire.
Chatfield was also charged with affray and did not apply for bail. She will appear in Coonabarabran Local Court on November 18, while Valette will appear in the same court on December 19.
Header image: Left, Jacob Thompson in hospital (GoFundMe). Right, Jacob before the alleged attack.
The post Family reveal horror injuries of teen allegedly set on fire by aboriginal in small NSW town first appeared on The Noticer.
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