A judge in Victoria has delivered a damning assessment of Stuart Lee’s actions after he was found guilty of murdering Colin Bainbridge by setting him on fire. On March 14, 2023, Bainbridge was innocently working on a neighbour’s property, felling trees, when Lee, in a fit of rage, yelled at him to leave. Following their argument, Lee made several calls to the police, stating he would kill his neighbours if help did not arrive.
Without any evident provocation, Lee went to his shed, filled a bucket with petrol, and went into the backyard. He then climbed a fence and doused Bainbridge in petrol before igniting him. Bainbridge’s son witnessed the shocking incident and attempted to extinguish the flames, but Bainbridge suffered severe burns, leading to his death later that day.
Justice Andrew Tinney dismissed claims from Lee’s defence that he acted out of fear, stating that Lee’s actions were driven by anger, not self-preservation. He remarked that Lee’s various decisions before and during the tragic event were not indicative of a fearful person but rather those of someone filled with rage. The judge expressed skepticism regarding the assertion that Lee believed he was under threat, arguing it did not logically follow why he would confront Bainbridge if he was genuinely afraid.
Prosecutor Patrick Bourke highlighted that Lee’s actions were methodical, demonstrating intent and premeditation rather than the impulsive reactions of someone overwhelmed by anger. He accused Lee of fabricating stories regarding the perceived threat to bolster his defence, arguing that such actions were self-serving.
Lee’s lawyer, Julia Munster, pointed to Lee’s diagnosed personality disorder as a factor in his distorted perception of reality. While acknowledging Lee’s anger, she maintained that he genuinely believed Bainbridge posed a threat, albeit unfounded. Munster argued against a life sentence, suggesting that his mental health issues should be taken into consideration when determining punishment.
Justice Tinney plans to impose a sentence at a later date, contemplating the severity of Lee’s actions and the implications of his mental health. As the case continues to unfold, many await the final decision regarding Lee’s fate and the justice for Bainbridge’s family.