Pump attendant Collate Swaby of Old Road, Whithorn, Westmoreland, who was previously charged with Assault Occasioning Grievous Bodily Harm, has now been charged with murder following the death of the victim. 

She has been identified as 42-year-old businesswoman Dacia Forrester of Ancho District, Whithorn, Westmoreland. Forrester sustained burn injuries during a viral incident at a petrol station on Thursday February 19.  

Reports from the police are that about midday, Forrester went to the service station where Swaby, 30-years of age, was employed, and an argument developed between them. It is alleged that the dispute escalated, during which Swaby doused Forrester with a flammable substance and set her on fire. 

Bystanders extinguished the flames and transported Forrester to the hospital for treatment. She succumbed to her injuries on Friday March 6. 

Following the post-mortem and a review of witness statements, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) ruled last Thursday, July 30, that the charge against Swaby be upgraded to murder.