Victim died two days after partner threw petrol on her and set her on fire

A psychiatric nurse is facing life in jail after he admitted murdering his girlfriend by setting her on fire.

Aiah Tondoneh, 43, of Claire Court, Shoot Up Hill, Kilburn, doused 50-year-old Donna Drepaul with petrol at her home on July 2 last year.

Ms Drepaul was found suffering severe burns at the flat in Finsbury Park, north London, at 4.20am.

She died in hospital two days later.

Today (Thursday), Tondoneh appeared at the Old Bailey to plead guilty to the single charge of murder.

He claims that he did not intend to kill her, only to cause grievous bodily harm.

The prosecution do not accept that basis of plea and the issue will now have to be decided by a judge.

Mr Justice Saunders said he was prepared to deal with the case tomorrow (Friday).

He told Tondoneh: “It seems to me in everyone’s interest the court deals with sentence as soon as possible.

“If it can be dealt with tomorrow I will do that.”

Tondoneh was remanded in custody.