URGENT UPDATE: A Perth mother was granted a violence restraining order against her estranged husband just hours before he allegedly set her on fire. The shocking incident took place in Mount Helena in June 2023, leaving Kirsten Moiler with severe burns to her face and arms.
In a trial that began in the Perth District Court on Tuesday, prosecutors revealed that Peter John Moiler, 44, is accused of dousing Kirsten with a flammable liquid and igniting it after she arrived at their family home to collect belongings. Just two hours prior, Kirsten had successfully sought a restraining order at Midland Courthouse to protect herself from her husband, following a tumultuous 11-year marriage marked by drug use and altercations.
Kirsten, 35, had moved to the nearby suburb of Sawyers Valley after separating from Peter. The court heard that on the day of the attack, she parked her car at the bottom of their driveway to see her son. Prosecutor Alan Dungey stated that Peter approached her vehicle and allegedly sprayed her with a flammable substance before using a cigarette lighter to ignite it.
Shocking CCTV footage from a neighbor captured the horrific moment. Kirsten can be heard screaming, “Peter, help me, help me,” while Peter responds with confusion, asking, “What the f— happened? What are you doing?” Dungey described how Kirsten, engulfed in flames, fled from the car, desperately running to a nearby creek to extinguish the fire while peeling off her burning clothes.
This case raises serious concerns about domestic violence and the effectiveness of restraining orders, as Kirsten had taken legal steps to protect herself mere hours before the alleged attack. The emotional and physical toll on her and their three children has been profound, highlighting the urgent need for better protections for victims of domestic abuse.
Peter Moiler has pleaded not guilty to charges including acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. As the trial unfolds, the court will examine whether he was aware of the restraining order at the time of the attack, a detail that remains contentious.
The community remains in shock as these developments continue to unfold, underscoring the critical issues surrounding domestic violence and victim safety.
Stay tuned for more updates as this case progresses in court, as it raises vital conversations about the protections available to victims of domestic abuse in Australia.
