Mum’s dying screams after her boyfriend doused her in lighter fluid and set her alight

A MUM who lost her baby in a house fire was killed by her "evil" boyfriend when he doused her in lighter fluid and set her alight.

Lynne Braund, 54, had a lifelong fear of flames after losing her baby daughter in an accidental blaze 26 years ago.

But she was killed by cruel boyfriend Raymond O'Connell, 62, after he poured lighter fluid on her during a row and set her on fire.

After the blaze 23 per cent of Lynne's body was burnt and she was admitted to hospital, but died ten days later from major organ failure.

A court heard O'Connell had been in a relationship with Lynne for 17 years, but had a history of domestic abuse towards her.

Prosecutor James Wilson told Cardiff Crown Court: "This was a deliberate act and particularly cruel.

"In 1990, the deceased's daughter died in a family fire in their home. O'Connell knew this and admitted to the police that she had a fear of fire.

A witness heard screams of "Help me!" coming from Lynne's flat in Barry, South Wales, and saw O'Connell “power walking” away through the window.

Another neighbour said they became aware of an argument as they heard raised voices and a smoke alarm going off.

He went downstairs and saw flames through the front door, then saw Lynne in just her underwear, who said: "He poured petrol on me and tried burning me".

Wilson said that when Lynne was asked who had attacked her, she said: "Who do you f****** think?" and "Look at what the f****** b*****d's has done to me!"

Lynne was induced in a coma at the Welsh Centre For Burns And Plastic Surgery, in Swansea, but she died on 14th August.

A victim personal statement from her son, Kyle Braund, was read out by Wilson.

It said: "My mother was all I had in my life.

"She was my only family and I loved her dearly, and she had a kind and loving nature."

The judge, Recorder of Cardiff, Eleri Rees QC told O'Connell: "This was an evil attack.

"She must have suffered horribly and no sentence I can pass will lessen the pain or sense of loss felt by her family."

O'Connell, of Penarth, South Wales, admitted murder and was jailed for life. He was told he must serve a minimum of 17 years and four months.

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