Man sets his girlfriend on fire

A man accused of setting his girlfriend on fire after dousing her with lighter fluid faced charges of aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

He is from Columbus, Georgia in the United States.

Robert Williams, 35, was arrested Wednesday morning.

His 44-year-old girlfriend is hospitalized in critical condition with second- and third-degree burns to her face, neck, chest and hands.

Williams told the police that he was trying to light a cigarette in bed, but it combusted and set him and his girlfriend on fire.

However, the victim's daughter told the judge the man poured lighter fluid on her mother. The police said they found an empty lighter fluid container in a bathroom trashcan.

William’s story lacked consistency.

When questioned further, he changed his story.

He couldn’t explain the container of lighter fluid found in the bathroom trashcan.

The victim's daughter told the court that she was talking on the phone not long before the incident occurred.

She said that she heard Williams and her mom arguing.

Then the smell of burning gasoline along with a putrid smell came from the bedroom, she added.

Shortly after that, her mother knocked on her door and said Williams had set her on fire, she said.

Another witnesses told the court that the victim is in critical condition.

She is now at the Atlanta hospital awaiting surgery for her throat.

The public defender Charles Lykins argued that Williams’ charge should be dropped.

The judge, Cielinski, ruled at the Recorder's Court hearing Wednesday morning.

The charge would stay due to the severity of the injury.

Bail has been set for Williams at $100,000.