A man has been accused of attempting to murder his neighbour after a dispute over loud music led to a violent confrontation. Michael Gauci, 45, stood trial in the Supreme Court, charged with the attempted murder of Sharie Gray, alongside injuring two others during the incident in December 2022.
According to prosecutors, Gauci’s wife called him multiple times that evening, distressed by ongoing noise from the neighbours, which included singing and loud music. When he returned home shortly after 1am on December 28, Gauci allegedly retrieved a blowtorch from his kitchen.
It is reported that an altercation ensued when Gray approached Gauci and his wife outside, accompanied by family members and friends. Tensions escalated, leading Gauci to grab a bucket and spray a substance believed to be an accelerant onto Gray’s face and upper body. Moments later, he allegedly ignited the blowtorch, setting Gray alight, with significant burns suffered over 70% of her body.
Prosecutor Angela Moran described the injuries as “acute and life-threatening”, detailing how Gray screamed and fell to the ground before emergency services arrived. Gauci faces charges not only for Gray’s attempted murder but also for recklessly causing serious injury to the other individuals present during this incident.
Defending Gauci, barrister John Korn argued that his client is not guilty of the accusations, suggesting that Gray was the instigator of the confrontation. He stated that Gauci was unaware of any flammable substance in the bucket and claimed he was merely trying to frighten off the aggressors by holding a rifle, not intending to use the blowtorch.
As the trial progresses under Justice Andrew Tinney, the jury must consider the evidence presented, deciding whether Gauci acted with intent to murder or if he can be found guilty of a lesser charge of intentionally causing serious injury. The proceedings continue as both sides present their cases in this shocking and tragic situation.