Australian Woman Sets Man on Fire After Sexist Remark at Party: Court Hears Shocking Details
In a disturbing case that has gripped Australia, a 24-year-old woman admitted to setting her male friend on fire after he made a misogynistic comment during a party. Corbie Jean Walpole pleaded guilty to arson in the Albury District Court after dousing 23-year-old Jake Loader with gasoline and setting him alight. The attack left Loader with life-altering injuries.
According to court proceedings and a report from ABC News, the incident occurred on January 7, 2024, at Walpole’s home in Howlong, New South Wales, where she had hosted an all-night party attended by Loader and several friends. The group consumed alcohol and drugs, including cocaine, throughout the evening.
Tensions reportedly escalated when Loader, allegedly under the influence, made repeated attempts to antagonize Walpole—wrestling with her and disturbing her sleeping boyfriend. Matters came to a head when Loader reportedly told Walpole to “stay in the kitchen making scones” if she couldn’t keep up with the drinking, a comment the court heard was the final trigger for the attack.
Fueled by a combination of rage and substance use, Walpole retrieved a container of gasoline from the garage and poured it over Loader. Witnesses said she waved a lighter at him, to which Loader responded with, “Go on, do it.” Moments later, she did—setting him on fire.
Loader suffered third-degree burns over 55% of his body. A victim impact statement revealed he was placed in a medically induced coma for over a week, underwent ten surgeries, and spent 74 days recovering in a Melbourne hospital burn unit. He also lost sweat glands and now has to avoid sun exposure due to severe skin damage.
In court, Walpole expressed deep remorse, attributing her actions to longstanding struggles with substance abuse following a breakup in 2022. “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. “I would do anything to go back in time.”
Sentencing has been adjourned as the court considers Walpole’s guilty plea and the traumatic circumstances surrounding the case.
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