A man, identified as Nicholas Martin, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to kill his wife by setting fire to her residence. The incident occurred when Martin, aged 63, stalked his wife Emma for several days before arriving at her home late at night. He proceeded to pour petrol through her letterbox and ignite it, causing Ms. Martin to escape from her bedroom window, resulting in injuries including two broken ankles and a back bone fracture.
Martin, a former head of estates at Salford Royal Hospital and the Manchester Royal Infirmary, was apprehended the following day after fleeing to the Lake District. He was convicted of attempted murder at Minshull Street Crown Court and sentenced to three decades in prison. The judge described the attack as wicked, planned, and carried out when the victim was most vulnerable.
Ms. Martin, who continues to use crutches for mobility, endured months in a wheelchair following the arson incident that also claimed the life of her pet cat. Despite meeting Martin on a dating app in 2019 and marrying shortly after, their relationship was marred by violence. An incident in Scotland in August 2021, where Ms. Martin was assaulted by her husband, led to bruises but was later reconciled.
The situation escalated when Martin set fire to the property in Eccles on October 21, 2021, resulting in severe injuries to Ms. Martin as she jumped from a first-floor window to escape. Although Martin admitted to starting the fire, he denied intending to kill his wife. However, he was found guilty of assault causing bodily harm and attempted murder. A poignant statement from Ms. Martin highlighted the devastation caused by Martin’s actions and the impact on her family members.
Martin, residing in Leicester, was informed that he would serve at least two-thirds of his sentence in prison, along with an indefinite restraining order. Detective Constable Zoe Bellis commended the victim for her bravery in reporting the incident and emphasized the importance of seeking help if experiencing domestic abuse. The outcome of the trial was seen as a step towards justice and healing for the victim, with a message of support for others facing similar situations.