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Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Inmate who poured boiling water on Aaron Pajich’s killer Trudi Lenon sentenced to five years

AAPThe Advocate

A VIGILANTE inmate who poured two litres of boiling water over Aaron Pajich’s murderer Trudi Lenon, causing serious burns, has been sentenced to five years in a West Australian prison.

Fellow inmate Justine Campbell was standing nearby and also suffered minor burns in the New Year’s Day attack at Bandyup Women’s Prison.

Lenon, along with “thrill killer” Jemma Lilley, murdered autistic teenager Aaron Pajich in June 2016 after luring him to a home and stabbing him.

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Jemma Victoria Lilley (left) and Trudi Clare Lenon.
Camera IconJemma Victoria Lilley (left) and Trudi Clare Lenon. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

The 18-year-old was then buried in the backyard and concrete was poured on top.

Nyiltjiri Naalina Forrest, 36, was disgusted by what Lenon had done and initially planned to pour a mug of hot tea on her, the WA District Court heard on Thursday.

But when she saw a two-litre container, she decided to fill that up instead and poured the boiling water onto Lennon’s back, then said “sorry, sir” to a guard.

Prison officers placed Lenon under a cold shower before she was treated in hospital for about three weeks, having suffered second-degree burns to 22 per cent of her body.

She did not require skin grafts but needs creams and therapy to keep the scarring to a minimum.

Forrest said she could not be near people like Lenon, Lilley and infamous serial killer Catherine Birnie because she was scared of what she might do to them.

“I didn’t mean to hurt the other lady (Campbell),” she said.

Forrest initially believed her actions were justifiable but was later horrified by what she had done, her lawyer said.

In a letter to the court, Forrest said she was embarrassed and ashamed.

“I take full responsibility for my actions that have led me to where I am today and I sincerely wish to change my ways and behaviour,” she said.

The mother-of-six cried as the court heard details of her “traumatic, dysfunctional life”.

Judge Bruce Goetze said Lenon had already been punished for her crime – having been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 28 years – and Forrest acted in a vigilante manner, showing limited victim empathy.

“The law can take care of itself,” he said.

“She (Lenon) will obviously carry the scars of this forever.”

But Judge Goetze also acknowledged Forrest had pleaded guilty to endangering the life, health or safety of a person, and doing an act causing bodily harm.

Forrest, who completed her previous prison term, must serve at least three years behind bars before she can be eligible for parole.