Overview
- Victoria’s Supreme Court sentenced Roland James Griffiths, 41, to life imprisonment with a 32-year non-parole period on January 29, 2026, with more than 1,300 days already served.
- Justice John Champion called the murder “a form of death so brutal” and said Griffiths’ remorse was “begrudging at best.”
- In March 2022, Griffiths poured petrol on his partner, Kylie Sheahan, 35, and ignited it; she sustained burns to 91% of her body and died four days later.
- Seven children were inside the home, a 16-year-old stepdaughter suffered burns to more than 50% of her body while trying to save her mother, and older siblings rescued younger children.
- Court evidence detailed prior threats to burn the Albanvale home, heavy intoxication during the attack, and post-offence victim-blaming, including the victim’s initial false account to police.