Retired Carpenter Faces Murder Charges in Domestic Violence Case
A retired British carpenter, Timothy Loosemore, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson in a chilling case that unfolded in Goldie, north of Melbourne. The alleged incident occurred in August 2023, following a tumultuous relationship with Maree Vermont, who had initially offered him free accommodation via Airbnb in exchange for repairs to her home.
According to Crown prosecutor Grant Hayward, Vermont attempted to end the relationship, describing it as "just sex" and a "fling." On July 31, Vermont texted her son, indicating that Loosemore had reacted poorly to her intentions to break things off. The couple spent time together shortly before the incident, reportedly consuming considerable amounts of alcohol.
The prosecution alleges that during a subsequent argument on August 5, Loosemore murdered Vermont and subsequently set her house ablaze. The distressing discovery of her body in the lounge, severely burned, suggests a violent altercation preceded the fire. Investigators believe the fire, which originated in the lounge, might have been started intentionally, possibly with the use of a flammable liquid.
Loosemore claimed to have been gathering firewood when he returned to find the house engulfed in flames and sought assistance from neighbors. However, witness reports noted a strong smell of gasoline emanating from him, along with blood on his hands and face.
The defense attorney urged the jury to consider Loosemore’s impaired recollection due to alcohol and painkillers, as well as the circumstances leading to the tragic event.
The trial continues in the Victorian Supreme Court, highlighting the grave nature of domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
