A night out ended in horror after a woman set her friend on fire after he made a misogynistic comment, according to court proceedings in Australia.
Corbie Jean Walpole, 24, appeared in court earlier this month and pleaded guilty to a shocking arson attack on her friend, Jake Loader, during a house party in New South Wales last year. According to the New York Post, the confrontation escalated when Loader allegedly told Walpole she should “stay in the kitchen making scones” if she couldn’t keep up with the drinking.
The remark sparked immediate outrage. Walpole, feeling overwhelmed and insulted, allegedly went to the garage, grabbed a gallon of gasoline, and returned to pour it on Loader before setting him on fire. Loader, reportedly intoxicated, allegedly dared her, saying “go on, do it.”
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Victim Left With Life-Altering Injuries After Being Set on Fire
Loader suffered third-degree burns to 55% of his body, with many of his sweat glands destroyed. He was placed in a medically induced coma for eight days and spent almost three months in a Melbourne hospital’s burn unit. Doctors performed at least 10 reconstructive surgeries to stabilize his condition.
Walpole admitted to the crime and expressed deep regret during the hearing. She described her emotional and mental state at the time, explaining that she had been abusing drugs and alcohol since 2022 following a bad breakup.
“To this day I feel horrible, remorseful, guilty for what I have done to Jake—not only Jake, but his family, his loved ones, his mutual friends… anyone who has been impacted in this entire case,” she said in a statement read aloud in court.
Court Hears How the Incident Was Fueled by Alcohol, Antagonizing, and Regret
During the hearing, Walpole’s defense argued that her actions, while inexcusable, were the result of months of emotional deterioration, worsened by alcohol, drug abuse, and persistent antagonism from Loader at the party.
She also alleged that Loader attempted to “play fight” with her earlier in the night and made comments that left her feeling humiliated and disrespected in front of others. The final misogynistic jab reportedly pushed her over the edge.
Despite the trauma caused, Walpole pleaded guilty to a single count of “burning with corrosive fluid,” a serious offense under Australian criminal law.
