‘Human torch’ killer, 36, who doused mum-of-four in petrol & set her alight admits murder in case that shocked France

A MAN was sentenced to 30 years behind bars in France today after admitting to burning his partner alive when she tried to leave him.

Jonathan Boillet, 36, confessed to covering his partner, a mum-of-four, in petrol and setting her alight in a car.

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Jonathan Boillet was sentenced to 30 years in France today[/caption]

Sandy Cucheval, 33, had burns covering 70% of her body after witnesses said she was lit up like a “human torch”.

The mum desperately tried to escape the vehicle and later told a policewoman Boillet had attacked her.

She died in the burns unit of a hospital a week later.

Boillet initially denied murdering her, claiming his partner died after an accident as he tried to light a cigarette.

But yesterday he finally admitted: “It was me who doused her in petrol.”

He has been on trial since Tuesday in northern France for the gruesome crime.

Today the court sentenced him to a minimum of 20 years without parole.

He also has to undergo mandatory treatment for his alcohol and drug addictions.

On the floor of a garage after the horrendous attack, Cucheval confided in a female cop that Boillet had poured petrol on her and then set her alight.

A local resident said she saw the car bursting into flames and watched Cucheval getting out of the vehicle like “a human torch”.

Her youngest child was just three-and-a-half years old at the time of her murder.

She had been with Boillet for several months, but wanted to leave him.

Boillet has an extensive criminal record including four convictions for domestic violence, and admits having violent outbursts.