A “hardworking family man” has been identified as the victim of an alleged arson attack in which he was doused with petrol and set on fire with a blow torch last month.
Jai Brebner remains in a critical condition in Fiona Stanley Hospital after suffering burns to 60 per cent of his body in what a friend has described as “an unprovoked attack” on December 30.
CCTV footage of the assault released by police shows Brebner standing at the front door of a Baldivis home when two men approach him.
After a conversation, one man then throws a clear liquid at him from a water bottle, before using a blow torch to set him on fire. Another man looks on, holding two axes.
A fireball engulfed Brebner, who tore off his shirt and ran.
The two men are then seen spending more time on the porch, kicking at the man’s discarded flaming T-shirt before going inside the property, then leaving.
Jai Brebner is still in a critical condition after he was set on fire in Baldvis two weeks ago.Credit: GoFundMe
The footage was described as “extremely confronting and extremely concerning” by WA Police at the weekend as they released details in the search for one of Brebner’s alleged attackers, David Stitson.
Police arrested Stitson, 50, at a Perth hotel on Tuesday.
At the weekend, Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Thompson said the incident was not gang-related, and the alleged attackers and Brebner did know each other.
“He is expected to endure extensive amounts of surgeries – up to 15 surgeries – and he will be in hospital for a number of months,” Thompson said.
On Tuesday, a GoFundMe page was launched on behalf of Brebner with the aim of raising $8000 for his family.
“This fund is for him and his family hoping to help relieve coming weeks financial stress,” it read.
“Jai is a hardworking concreter and family man who was the main income earner of household. These funds will ensure they can pay the rent and cover cost of bills or however needed. Please assist in any way; this was an unprovoked attack.”
The fundraiser has yet to receive any donations.
Stitson has been charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm or prevent arrest, wounded or caused grievous bodily harm, and appeared in Rockingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He was remanded in custody and will re-appear with his alleged co-offender on February 7.
His 24-year-old alleged offender was charged with one count of intending to cause grievous bodily harm.
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