A Skegness man whose girlfriend died two years after he deliberately set her on fire has been jailed for life

Ellen Marshall suffered over 80% burns from the incident

Image of Leigh Pateman
Author: Charlotte LinnecarPublished 2nd Dec 2024
Last updated 2nd Dec 2024

A Skegness man has today been sentenced to a minimum term of 27 years in prison for the murder of Ellen Marshall.

45 year old Leigh Pateman, previously of Firbeck Avenue, Skegness, previously pleaded guilty on 8 November to the murder of Ellen.

He appeared today at Lincoln Crown Court where he was handed the minimum term sentence which allowing for time already served, means it will be 23 years and 145 days before he can be considered for parole.

In April 2021, he picked up a jerry can of petrol during an argument and doused Ellen in it as she sat in a chair at her home in Firbeck Avenue. He then ignited it with his lighter.

Ellen was rushed to hospital with between 80 per cent and 90 per cent burns to the top half of her body. She spent the rest of her life in hospitals and care homes.

In March 2022, he was sentenced to almost 18 years in prison - having admitted grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was then charged with murder following Ellen's death in March 2023, nearly two years after the incident.

Detective Inspector Andy McWatt said:

“This was a truly shocking and barbaric attack. I cannot begin to imagine how much fear she must have felt, and how painful the rest of Ellen's life was. Her family had to watch someone they love suffer from terrible injuries for almost two years. I hope that they can feel some measure of closure that her killer has been sentenced for that crime."

Help and support

Lincolnshire Police say Ellen’s case was the most horrifying result of domestic violence, but they know that there are people who suffer abuse day in, day out, and that abuse does not always include violence.

The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service (LDASS) offer support to anyone suffering abuse.

There is also a National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

If you have concerns about your partner or ex partner, you can ask under Clare's Law if Police hold information about violence in their past, which might help you make a decision for your future.

Safe Spaces have been set up in pharmacies to give people a place to seek support and find out about their options away from the intrusive monitoring of an abuser.

If you are a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, tell someone you trust, like a teacher. You can also call Childline on 0800 1111.

If you or your children are in immediate danger you should always call 999.

If you are worried about your own behaviour, call the Respect helpline on 0808 802 4040 

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