This post deals with domestic violence and may be distressing for some readers.
At 17 years old, Kyesha Finemore’s ex-boyfriend doused her in petrol and set her alight.
The cruel attack left Kyesha with serious burns to 21 per cent of her body – including her arms, legs and upper body.
The Brisbane girl’s injuries were so severe, she had to be placed into an induced coma for 24 hours and undergo three skingrafts.
For months, Kyesha and her boyfriend Brae Lewis, also 17, had multiple violent fights – including a previous failed attempt to light Kyesha on fire.
Now, after two years of recovering from the trauma, Kyesha has sat down with The Sunday Project, for an interview which left presenter Lisa Wilkinson visibly shaken.
In the lead up to the attack, Kyesha said she was sitting in her car outside their home in Marsden, Queensland.
"We started arguing and I pushed him and he pushed me, he sat down in the car with his legs out of the car," she said.
"And I was standing at the end of the door and we were arguing and he threw the petrol at me and as he threw it he came around with the lighter and he lit it."
Kyesha lit alight instantly, falling into a bin as she attempted to put out the flames.
"I was freaking out and scared that I was going to die. I kinda froze, and looked down at my skin peeling and rolled all up and blood coming out of my arms and stuff," Kyesha said.
"I remember just panicking and stopping and screaming the loudest scream I've ever done."
Kyesha was found by a neighbour, who rushed the girl to the hospital. By this point, Brae had already fled the scene.
"It hurt, it really, really hurt, because he couldn't even wait around for the ambulance to get there," Kyesha said.
Brae Lewis, now 19, was found guilty of a malicious act intended to cause grievous bodily harm earlier this month.
He was sentenced to 11 years in jail.
The conviction has been a significant relief for Kyesha, who has been left with permanent scarring from the attack.
"At least I'm not going to be scared to walk down the shops or scared to just go see a friend or you now it's just a relief really," she said.
Lisa Wilkinson agreed: "It's what he deserves".
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Top Comments
11 years? Why wasn't this attempted murder. Now this creep will be out in 11 years after attempting to kill a person. Nice.
The most disturbing sentence this woman uttered was "It hurt, it really, really hurt because he couldn't even wait around for the ambulance to get there." This speaks volumes about her mindset. Rather than feeling outraged over the fact that he set her on fire, she's hanging onto the dismay she felt when it became obvious that he didn't care. As though the perpetrators of such acts can still be considered 'good blokes' as long as they stick around afterwards to 'care' for their victims. Be mad that he did such a thing to you in the first place, not that he didn't hold your hand and console you afterwards. I sincerely hope she has good people around her now that can un-do that way of thinking.
No actually that statement shows just how damaging an abusive relationship can be on a person. Especially at such a young age. Her "mindset" is of someone who has been attacked by someone that was supposed to love her and feeling shocked by the damage they were able to do. Saying anything else is blaming her. Period.
Kiki, you are correct in pointing out that it is a byproduct of an abusive relationship, which was my my point exactly. I in no way meant to victim shame and instead was concerned by the damage still needing to be undone. No one deserves what happened to her. My outrage was directed at the perpetrator and how much he had warped her way of thinking - my apologies if that failed to come across.