‘Human torch’ killer, 36, who doused mother-of-four with petrol and set her on fire, admits murder in case that shocked France

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

Jonathan Boillet, 36, admitted covering his partner, a mother-of-four, in petrol and setting her on fire in a car.

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

The mother desperately tried to escape the vehicle and later told a police officer that Boillet had attacked her.

She died a week later in a hospital burn unit.

Boillet initially denied killing her and claimed his partner died after an accident while trying to light a cigarette.

But yesterday he finally admitted: ‘It was I who doused her with petrol.’

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

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

He must also undergo mandatory treatment for his alcohol and drug addiction.

On the floor of a garage after the horrific attack, Cucheval confided to a female officer that Boillet had poured gasoline on her and then set her on fire.

A local resident said she saw the car catch fire and Cucheval exiting the vehicle like “a human torch.”

Her youngest child was only three and a half years old when she was murdered.

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 to violent outbursts.