A father of three will spend at least seven years in jail after turning his ex-lover into a human fireball and leaving her with a life “full of pain and suffering”.

Mark Bray smirked and belched as he was sentenced to life at Oxford Crown Court today for trying to kill Coral Newman.

The judge said it had only been “by the grace of God” Ms Newman did not die from the injuries which have left her permanently scarred.

The court heard that Bray, of Parsons Mead, Abingdon, downed 10 cans of lager and snorted two lines of cocaine before storming to Ms Newman’s home in Draymans Walk on December 23.

The 29-year-old forced his way inside and poured petrol over Ms Newman, before setting her on fire with a cigarette lighter.

Doctors initially gave the mum-of-three a 50 per cent chance of recovery. She suffered 60 per cent burns to her face, neck and arms.

After sentencing, Ms Newman said: “He has done more than just injure and disfigure me – he has made sure the life I have left is difficult and full of pain and suffering.”

But she added: “He has changed my whole outlook on life but he will not destroy me.”

Kim Parsons, prosecuting, told the court Bray and Ms Newman had a volatile two-year relationship.

The couple had split up and Bray was on bail for assaulting her when the attack happened.

Bray had attempted to get hold of petrol from friends three times on that day before reaching her house.

When he forced his way inside, Ms Newman set off a panic alarm installed by police to protect her from Bray.

Ms Parsons said: “He grabbed her and said ‘you’ve had it’. He tipped petrol over her and went to look for a man he thought was in the house.

“She pleaded with the defendant that she had children. He said: ‘Sod the kids’ and lit the lighter.”

Ms Newman ran screaming into the street and rolled on the ground in an attempt to out the flames.

Neighbours raced to help, dousing her in water and covering her in blankets.

Ms Parsons added: “She was saying ‘He’s done it now, hasn’t he. He’s killed me. Tell my kids I love them.

“I’m sorry I let him in. He was banging. He set me alight and said: ‘have that now you f****** b****’.”

Ms Newman needed six operations in the first month. She will need further surgery for the rest of her life.

Nigel Hislop, defending, said since Bray admitted attempted murder he had sent his ex-lover a letter apologising and wished to turn back the clock.

Judge Julian Hall sentenced Bray to life imprisonment and said he must serve at least seven years minimum before he was eligible for parole. He said: “It’s only by the grace of God and skill of medics that she didn’t die.”

Judge Hall praised the neighbours who helped at the scene.

Chief Inspector Andy Boyd, Vale of White Horse Commander, said: “We are satisfied with the sentence which reflects the callous and premeditated nature of what was a horrendous attack by a jealous and controlling individual. I would like to pay tribute to Coral who has shown strength, dignity and courage throughout this ordeal.”