32yo burned in home in horror alleged attack

A woman has suffered serious burns after her home was set alight in a horrific alleged attack.

Thousands of dollars are pouring into a fund for a woman who suffered serious burns after her central western NSW home was set alight in an alleged attack.

A 34-year-old Abbey Watkins from Griffith has appeared in court following the house fire that allegedly left 32-year-old Sky Yates critically injured.

Ms Watkins faced Griffith Local Court on Thursday, 19 September, charged with causing grievous bodily harm and intentionally setting fire to a building with the intent to murder.

Ms Watkins did not apply for bail, and Magistrate Pauline Wright formally denied the possibility.

The incident unfolded around 5.30pm on Saturday, September 14 when emergency services were called to Zirilli Avenue in response to a house fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW quickly extinguished the blaze, which caused extensive burns to the property. However, Ms Yates had been inside the house at the time.

A neighbour assisted the victim before paramedics arrived and provided medical treatment.

The injured woman was initially taken to Griffith Base Hospital with life-threatening injuries. She was later airlifted to Concord Hospital, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.

Strike Force Clearwater has been established to investigate the incident, with police arresting Watkins at a business in Yambil Street, Griffith.

The fundraiser began with a goal of $5,000 and has already attracted $27,000 from the public at the time of writing.

Friends of Ms Yates have set up a fundraiser for the public to contribute to as she slowly recovers from the traumatic incident.

“On Saturday 14 September 2024, one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sky Yates, was (burned) at her home in Griffith,” Ruby Blumer wrote.

“At the age of only 32, Sky has suffered severe burns to many parts of her body, leaving her devastatingly injured physically and emotionally.

“Sky Yates has lived in Griffith her whole life. Her family have been residents for multiple generations and are much loved members of the community.

“Sky is one of the funniest and warmest people you will ever meet, leaving a lasting impression on anyone she encounters.

“She has been in hospital for four weeks and will be required to stay in Sydney for the foreseeable future for her treatment. Her beautiful family have been by her side since, putting their lives on hold to support their cherished Skyzie in any way they can.

“Sky’s road to recovery will involve a lot of time and money, so I am asking for any support you may be able to assist with to go directly to the Yates family.

“If you donate, your money will go towards medical bills, loss of income, rehabilitation and psychological support to help her recovery.”

The fundraiser began with a goal of $5,000 and has already attracted $27,000 from the public at the time of writing.

Ms Watkins is scheduled to reappear in Griffith Local Court on November 7.

Originally published as 32yo burned in home in horror alleged attack