Chinese boy stands trial for setting girl on fire

Beijing, April 23 (IANS) A teenager who allegedly set fire to a girl who turned down his romantic advances stood trial in a court in east China's city of Hefei Monday.

The 17-year-old boy has been charged with intentional assault. He was detained last September after he went to the home of the girl, poured gasoline on her face and ignited it with a lighter, reported Xinhua.

The case prompted public outcry after the victim's mother gave details of the gruesome assault online, posting photos of her daughter's bandage-wrapped face.

A hospital examination indicated that about 32 percent of the girl's body was burnt. The girl's left ear was mutilated, most of her face became disfigured and she was left with severe burns on her head, neck, hands and legs.

The girl's parents previously asked for a public hearing, a request that was turned down as the defendant is underage.