Kevin Taplin reveals extent of his trauma after being set alight by his best mate

A Portland man doused in petrol and set alight by his best mate says the horror event caused “excruciating pain” and changed his life in every way.

A court has heard a victim impact statement from a man set on fire by his best friend. Picture: David Crosling

A Portland man who was doused in petrol and set alight by his best mate says his burn scars are a “lifetime” reminder of the trauma he suffered.

Umit Gorgulu, 40, was found guilty of intentionally causing serious injury after setting his close friend and housemate Kevin Taplin on fire in Hamilton in April 2019.

At the Supreme Court on Monday, Mr Taplin’s victim impact statement was read to the court, detailing his prolonged recovery from the horrific attack that nearly claimed his life.

“The physical pain I endured during my two-year recovery period was excruciating but I now live with physical scars and a lifetime reminder of the crimes,” he said.

“My life changed significantly the day the offences occurred, physically, socially, emotionally, and financially. PTSD, acrophobia and insomnia are my daily reminders of the experience.”

Mr Taplin said he now found it difficult to have trust in others.

“I no longer believe it is possible to truly know someone,” he said.

“I’m now acutely aware of the unpredictability of humans, this is a direct result of the violation I experienced.”

The pair had been driving from their home in Portland to pick up Mr Taplin’s motorbike in Hamilton when they began arguing.

Gorgulu threw his phone out the window and urged Mr Taplin to drive off while he looked for it.

They reunited in Hamilton where Gorgulu hit his friend several times in the head and continued to threaten him.

He grabbed a five-litre jerry can full of petrol from the back of the ute and splashed it on to Mr Taplin and his vehicle before igniting it.

Mr Taplin was engulfed in flames and rolled on the ground before nearby residents rushed over and doused him with water.

“It was only … because of the very swift and civic-mindedness of the neighbours that he probably survived,” prosecutor Raymond Gibson told the court.

Gorgulu’s lawyer James McQuillan said his client admitted his actions were “stupid” and he was sorry for what he had done.

Mr Taplin suffered severe burns to his entire body and was flown to The Alfred hospital where he was placed in an induced coma for two weeks.

Gorgulu was acquitted of attempted murder and instead found guilty of intentionally causing serious injury.

He has spent more than three years in prison and will be sentenced at a later date.