Overview
- A jury found Timothy Loosemore guilty of manslaughter in June and he faced a pre‑sentence hearing on September 3 ahead of sentencing set for September 11.
- Prosecutors told the Victorian Supreme Court that Loosemore inflicted a serious assault and that evidence including the victim's blood on his clothes and witnesses smelling fuel supports a finding that an accelerant was used.
- The defence accepted Loosemore caused Maree Vermont's death but said he has no memory of the night and disputed that the court can prove how she died or that an accelerant was used.
- Justice Andrew Tinney expressed scepticism about Loosemore's account, noting repeated falsehoods to witnesses and emergency personnel and highlighting the defendant's apparent lack of remorse.
- Family members read impact statements describing the loss of Vermont and the destruction of her hand‑built stone home, a loss that has left the farm a burnt shell and the family without treasured possessions.