A man has been jailed for 30 years after attempting to murder his ex-partner by setting fire to her home in Worsley.
Nicholas Martin, 63, from Leicester, was sentenced on Monday November 10 at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He was found guilty of attempted murder and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial in September.
At approximately 5.10am on 22 October 2024, Martin poured petrol through the letterbox of his ex-partner’s home before setting it alight.
The woman, who had been asleep upstairs, awoke to the sound of her letterbox closing and the crackle of flames.
Realising her home was on fire, she escaped by jumping from a first-floor window, suffering two broken ankles and a fractured vertebra in her back.
Her pet cat died in the blaze.
At the time of the attack, Martin was on bail for a previous assault against the same victim and had been ordered not to contact her or enter Greater Manchester. Police later discovered that he had left his bail address in Leicester, rented a car and travelled to Worsley, where he stayed in a hotel before carrying out the attack in the early hours.
He was arrested the following day (23 October 2024) at a hotel in the Lake District. Officers found a petrol can in his wardrobe.
An investigation by Salford CID revealed that Martin had been controlling and abusive throughout the relationship, which began in 2019. He monitored his partner’s movements through home surveillance cameras, dictated what she could wear and eat, and isolated her from friends and family.
Despite denying the intent to kill, the jury found Martin guilty after hearing detailed evidence of his abusive behaviour and premeditated attack.
In a statement read to the court, the victim described the lasting impact of the attack and years of abuse:
“Martin’s vile and monstrous actions have utterly destroyed and decimated my life… I will forever remain wracked with guilt at bringing such a dangerous and destructive man into our lives, and at how close my son and daughter came to the murder of their mum.”
“I described in court my feelings of absolute terror when I realised that my home had been set alight by fire. I am still often consumed by the same feelings of terror, experiencing flashbacks, distressing memories and nightmares of the fire and aftermath.”
Detective Constable Zoe Bellis, of Salford CID, said: “Martin undertook a campaign of abuse against his victim lasting a number of years,” DC Bellis said.
“His last act nearly resulted in a woman’s death and I am thankful of today’s sentencing result putting this despicable individual behind bars and away from harming other victims.
“Anybody who thinks they may have been a victim of domestic abuse can contact Greater Manchester Police at any time. We will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders. Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect”
Greater Manchester Police are supporting the Mayor’s #IsThisOk? campaign, which raises awareness of coercive and controlling behaviour.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact Greater Manchester Police via 101, Live Chat, or online at gmp.police.uk. In an emergency, always call 999.
Greater Manchester domestic abuse helpline
