The family and friends of a woman allegedly set on fire by a man accused of trying to murder her say they have been left numb and traumatised.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, a 34-year-old support worker and mother-of-two, remains in hospital with serious injuries after the alleged attack on Saturday.
“I’m devastated … just numbness,” Otton-Rakuraku’s mother Alison told Seven News.
“She’s strong. We’ll be strong for our girl.”
Renata Edward Manning, 36, has been accused of attempting to murder Otton-Rakuraku as well as assaulting another female victim.
Family and friends of Otton-Rakuraku packed a small suburban courtroom in Queensland for Manning’s first scheduled appearance on Monday.
Manning was arrested at Kingston, south of Brisbane, on Saturday and charged with eight offences against two women including one count each of attempted murder, common assault and breach of a court order.
Manning has been accused of producing a lighter and setting 34-year-old Destiny Otton-Rakuraku on fire.
Manning was not required to appear in person or via video link in Beenleigh magistrates court on Monday for the first mention of his charges.
Police allege the pair were involved in an altercation about 7.45am on Saturday before Manning pulled out a lighter and set Otton-Rakuraku on fire.
She was treated by paramedics at the scene and was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital in a serious condition.
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Court documents showed Manning was also charged with assaulting and causing bodily harm to another woman on 15 January and assaulting her again on Saturday.
Defence solicitor Jacilynn Young did not apply for bail in court on Monday.
“I’m seeking an adjournment of perhaps five weeks for a legal aid application to be lodged and considered,” she said.
Young also applied for prosecutors to provide the defence with a brief of evidence within five weeks.
The magistrate, Tracy Mossop, adjourned the matter to 12 March and remanded Manning in custody.
Otton-Rakuraku’s friends and supporters declined to comment as they left court.
An online fundraiser for Otton-Rakuraku’s medical bills and recovery had nearly $28,000 pledged during its first 24 hours of accepting donations.
The family friend who set up the fundraiser said Otton-Rakuraku was “a natural giving heart” who was facing a living nightmare.
“As a mother she is doing everything she can to stay strong for her family during this incredibly difficult journey,” the friend said.
Article by:Source – Australian Associated Press
