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Search forTeenager admits horrific fire attack on girl
Saturday, November 15, 2008, 09:00
It left the 15-year-old girl scarred, traumatised and fighting for her life.
As the news broke that 19-year-old Jake Johnson, formerly of Colin Avenue, Grimsby, had admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, her mother told the Grimsby Telegraph the ordeal had been a "nightmare".
But, the woman – who cannot be named to protect her daughter's identity – warned the ordeal was not over yet, as the family could soon be homeless as a result of the attack.
Johnson admits the horrific fire attack, which has left the young victim scarred for life.
As reported, the girl suffered burns to her face and body when she was set alight inside a Ford Transit van on an isolated road near Brandy Wharf, in the early hours of August 24.
The girl was treated at a specialist burns unit before being released.
The mother said: "There is some celebration because he has pleaded guilty and that will avoid her having to go through the courts.
"But she is still traumatised. She is still scarred and has to go to Pinderfields hospital for treatment and Grimsby for physiotherapy. She is on the waiting list for psychiatric help.
"It has not stopped me losing my house. I have been with my daughter all the time, so cannot keep up the payments on the rent, so I will lose the house."
The 37-year-old single mum added the attack had also had a drastic effect on her daughter's education.
She said: "It has put her a year behind at school. The after-effects are going to continue with her for many years."
However, she praised the help and support the family had received from Lincolnshire Police and her daughter's friends
Det Sgt David Haddock was described by the devastated mother as her daughter's "fairy godfather."
She added: "He has gone out of his way to help.
"Everyone has been like an angel or a saint. She thanks all her friends for rallying around her. She is a tough cookie."
Johnson now of no fixed address, denied an earlier charge of attempted murder.
His plea was accepted by the prosecution at Lincoln Crown Court and Judge Michael Heath remanded him in custody until January 8 when he will be sentenced.
Judge Heath imposed an order under the 1933 Children and Young Persons Act preventing the identity of the victim from being published.
Johnson admits the horrific fire attack, which has left the young victim scarred for life.
More Christmas woe for Mariners
