Man Jailed For Attempted Murder

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for 25 years for attempting to murder his ex-partner at her Doncaster home, by dousing her in petrol and trying to set her on fire. Michael Parkin, formerly of Balby, Doncaster, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Friday to be sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted murder at an earlier court hearing. The court heard how on Wednesday 26 November last year, Parkin had shown up at his ex-girlfriend’s house after she had finished their relationship. Just before midnight, Parkin broke down the door to her home. He picked up a can of petrol from the kitchen and doused his victim, before attempting to light the petrol with a cigarette lighter. His victim was able to escape and alerted her family who came to help, calling police. Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Della O’Horo said: “This is a significant sentence that reflects the gravity of Parkin’s crime. “It is a miracle that his victim was not severely burned or killed by Parkin’s menacing and violent actions that evening. “I hope the victim is reassured by the knowledge that her attacker is behind bars for many years and can now begin the process of moving forward from a deeply traumatic chapter in her life.” Parkin was also jailed for six years for attempted arson endangering life to run concurrently.