Jail for handbag fire row woman

Gabyrela Passos covered Ricardo da Silva in petrol

A woman found guilty of trying to murder a transvestite in Birmingham in a row over a handbag and laptop has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Brazilian Gabryela Passos, 29, of west London, set Ricardo da Silva 25, alight with petrol at his flat in Digbeth, Birmingham Crown Court heard.

He suffered burns to 70% of his body in the attack after a Louis Vuitton bag and other items were lost in December.

Judge Robert Juckes QC described the attack as "evil".

Passos, of Hogarth Street, Earls Court, was found guilty of attempted murder in August.

There can be no doubt that he will be affected in his appearance dramatically for the rest of his life Judge Robert Juckes QC

Acting Det Ch Insp Sam Ridding said he was pleased with the sentence and knew that Mr da Silva would be too.

"He can continue his rehabilitation in the knowledge justice has been done," he said.

Mr da Silva spent three months in hospital following the attack, when he was showered with petrol from a mop bucket after property he was looking after for Passos, including the handbag, could not be found.

He gave evidence at the trial from behind a screen.

He was initially given less than a 50% chance of survival and faces more surgery.

Judge Juckes paid tribute to Mr da Silva's courage adding that a lot of the damage was to his face.

"There can be no doubt that he will be affected in his appearance dramatically for the rest of his life," he said.

He added he accepted Passos had been dealt a difficult hand in life, including difficulties with her sexuality, and that she had shown remorse.

Passos, who had sent a text to a friend on the night of the attack which read: "Prepare yourself to film a souvenir of before and after the start of the nightmare", will be deported after serving her sentence.