‘You want me to do it’: Roland Griffiths allegedly taunted wife before setting her ablaze

A husband set his wife ablaze in their Albanvale home after becoming enraged when his stepdaughter used his iPad, a court has heard.

Roland and Kylie Griffiths on their wedding day in December 2021 Picture: Supplied

A husband accused of killing his wife doused her in petrol and asked “you want me to do it?” before setting her on fire, police allege.

Roland Griffiths, 38, is facing 13 charges including murder and attempted murder after he allegedly set fire to his family home in Albanvale in Melbourne’s west, killing his wife Kylie, 36, and seriously injuring his teenage stepdaughter in March last year.

In a summary of alleged facts presented to a committal hearing, police say Mr Griffiths was drunk and had been arguing with his wife and children causing him to “lose his shit” on the day of the fatal blaze.

It’s alleged Mr Griffiths, who was unemployed, was enraged after his stepdaughter used an iPad without his permission, prompting him to grab a fuel can and pour it over the lounge room, kitchen and his wife.

While his family screamed for him to stop, Mr Griffiths allegedly grabbed a cigarette lighter and said: “You want me to do it?”

Griffiths was transferred to hospital for two months under police guard before he was charged. Picture: Supplied

He allegedly ignited the lighter near Ms Griffiths’ feet, engulfing her and the house in flames.

His stepdaughter was also caught in the blaze, suffering serious burns to her body, face and arms.

Ms Griffiths suffered burns to more than 90 per cent of her body and died in hospital days later.

Mr Griffiths and his stepdaughter survived, as did six other children inside the home which was owned by the Department of Housing.

Police say some of the children rescued their siblings who were trapped as the fire took hold.

While one of the children was receiving medical treatment outside, it’s alleged Mr Griffiths said: “Sorry ... I didn’t know it was going to go up like that.”

“I tried to light myself, and they tried to stop me, and I’ve f--king ... copped it,” he allegedly said.

A neighbour helped evacuate the home, telling Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday Mr Griffiths had previously threatened to burn his home down.

Constable Brett Seychell also attended the blaze, telling the court he saw three burn victims outside the home including Mr Griffiths, his wife and his stepdaughter.

The police officer said Mr Griffiths was waving his arms around and yelling and police had to stop him from leaving the scene.

While the mother received treatment for her injuries, Constable Seychell said Mr Griffiths apologised and “expressed” his love for her.

Mr Griffiths was transferred to hospital where he spent two months under police guard before he was charged.

The committal hearing, which is expected to run for three days, will continue on Wednesday.