24-Year-Old Australian Woman Set Her Friend on Fire After He Made Misogynistic Remark

In a disturbing case that shocked a New South Wales courtroom, a 24-year-old Australian woman admitted to setting her longtime friend on fire after a night of heavy drinking, drug use, and rising tensions exploded into violence.

Corbie Jean Walpole, appearing before Albury District Court, pleaded guilty to a serious arson charge related to a horrific attack on her friend, 23-year-old Jake Loader.

The incident occurred during a house party last year and has left Loader with life-altering injuries. The court heard testimony earlier this month detailing the events that led to the violent outburst, which culminated in Loader being set ablaze after making a misogynistic comment.

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According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the night began with socializing, but tensions reportedly escalated as both Walpole and Loader consumed alcohol and cocaine. Walpole claimed she felt “overwhelmed” by Loader’s ongoing antagonistic behavior.

The situation reached a boiling point when Loader made a sexist remark directed at Walpole, telling her, “she should stay in the kitchen making scones” if she couldn’t keep up with the group’s drinking.

That remark, according to Walpole’s testimony, pushed her over the edge.

In a sudden act of violence, Walpole retrieved a gallon of gasoline from a garage and returned to confront Loader. She doused him in the flammable liquid and waved a lighter at him.

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Despite the clear danger, Loader, apparently under the influence and perhaps not understanding the gravity of the situation, reportedly goaded her, shouting, “Go on, do it.”

In her intoxicated state, Walpole followed through — igniting the lighter and setting Loader on fire.

The consequences were devastating.

Loader suffered burns over 55% of his body and had some of his sweat glands permanently destroyed.

He was placed in a medically induced coma for eight days and spent a grueling 74 days recovering in a burn unit at a Melbourne hospital.

Image Credit: GoFundMe

In a victim impact statement read to the court, it was revealed that Loader now cannot go out into the sun due to the extent of his skin damage.

He has undergone ten surgeries and continues to deal with the long-term effects of the attack.

Walpole, visibly emotional during her court appearance, admitted that she had been battling substance abuse issues since a painful breakup in 2022.

She expressed deep regret for her actions, telling the court, “To this day I feel horrible, remorseful, guilty for what I have done to Jake, not only Jake but his family, his loved ones, his mutual friends … anyone who has been impacted in this entire case.”

She continued, “I find it very hard to believe the injuries that were caused was from my doing. I would do anything to go back in time.”

Throughout the hearing, Walpole claimed that the night had been marked by relentless provocation. She told the court that Loader had been wrestling with her and acting aggressively throughout the evening.

Image Credit: Instagram, Corbie Jean Walpole

Her defense painted a picture of a woman emotionally fragile, spiraling from substance dependency and pushed beyond her limits by her friend’s behavior.

Despite her remorse, the gravity of the crime remains. Walpole pleaded guilty to one count of burning or maiming by using a corrosive fluid. Sentencing is scheduled for later this month.

The case has prompted public discussion in Australia about substance abuse, emotional trauma, and the consequences of unchecked aggression — both verbal and physical.

While misogyny and antagonistic behavior can cause harm and provoke emotional reactions, the court must now decide the appropriate consequence for Walpole’s catastrophic response.

As Jake Loader continues his long recovery journey, both families are left to grapple with the irreversible impact of a single violent moment fueled by intoxication, emotional pain, and reckless provocation.

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