A woman suffered lifelong burns after another woman allegedly set her house on fire.
Sky Yates, 32, was inside her home in Griffith, central western New South Wales, on the afternoon of September 14, when Abbey Watkins, 34, allegedly set it on fire.
Mrs Yates suffered severe burns to her body and was treated by a neighbor until paramedics arrived.
The fire was extinguished and the house suffered only minor damage, but Ms Yates was rushed to Griffith Base Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
She was then airlifted to Sydney’s Concord Hospital and placed in an induced coma, where she remains.
Watkins was arrested days later and charged with causing injury/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to murder, destroying/damaging a building by fire with intent to murder (DV), and breach of bail.
He appeared in court on September 14, where he was denied bail.
Watkins is due back in court on November 7.
Sky Yates, 32, (pictured) was inside her home in Griffith, central western New South Wales, on the afternoon of September 14, when Abbey Watkins, 34, allegedly set it on fire .
Yates’ loved ones said she suffered “physically and emotionally devastating injuries.”
‘Sky Yates has lived in Griffith all his life. Her family has been residents for several generations and are very beloved members of the community,” said a friend who launched a GoFundMe for Mrs. Yates, he said.
“Sky is one of the funniest, warmest people I have ever met and leaves a lasting impression on anyone he meets.”
Ms Yates will need to remain in Sydney for the foreseeable future given the severity of her injuries.
“Her beautiful family has been by her side ever since, putting their lives on hold to support their beloved Skyzie in any way they can,” the friend said.
Donations will go towards covering Ms Yate’s medical costs and loss of income.
The fundraiser has raised more than $26,000 so far.
