A woman whose boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her on fire as part of a horrific campaign of domestic abuse has tragically died two years on from the attack, police have said.
Ellen Marshall was set alight while sitting in an armchair, with police describing the case as "one of the worst cases of domestic violence we have seen".
Evil Leigh Pateman poured a jerry can of fuel in the 43-year-old's lap and set her on fire before leaving her dead as she sustained burns to 90% of her body, requiring 12 hours of surgery.
Ms Marshall died on March 11 in hospital in Nottingham, police confirmed, almost two years after Pateman's attack on April 22, 2021.
Her abuser was jailed for 21 years for causing grievous bodily harm with intent in 2021, although it's currently unclear whether that will now change following Ms Marshall's death.
Ms Marshall was given less than a 50% chance of survival following Pateman's callous and unforgiveable attack, requiring round the clock care and ventilation to aid her breathing.
Officers had rushed to the flat she shared with Pateman in Skegness, Lincolnshire on the night of the incident, finding her barely recognisable but still conscious.
Able to tell police her name, Ms Marshall heartbreakingly claimed the fire had been self-inflicted, despite the nature of her injuries proving otherwise.
Ellen had lost several fingers as well as her eyesight, with the burns causing what a judge later described as "irreversible" damage.
Pateman meanwhile had poured water over Ms Marshall before fleeing the scene on his bike. Officer later arrested him at his mother's house.
Pateman, 43, told detectives that the petrol had been for his garden strimmer, and that he had been "playing" with a lighter at the time.
Further probing however revealed a history of abuse from Pateman, having previously threatened Ms Marshall and, chillingly, keeping the jerry can in their flat.
Detective Inspector Andy McWatt, of Lincolnshire Police, said at the time: "This is such a tragic incident that has left Ellen with life-changing injuries.
"She is likely not to ever make a full recovery. I hope this sentence will bring some closure to the family."
In the UK, two woman are killed by their partners every week, according to data compiled by the Office of National Statistics.
A police spokesperson said: "We have been made aware that Ellen Marshall has sadly died.
"At this stage, the case is with the Coroner and we are working with them and the Crown Prosecution Service as part of the coronal process."
The exact cause of Mr Marshall's death is yet to be formally confirmed, although an inquest is set to take place later this year in September.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit aafda.org.uk.
