Garden Gate Arson Horror: Man Doused in Petrol and Set Ablaze
Man Dies After Petrol Attack Outside Home
Mark Stoakes, 60, was enjoying an evening with his family at their Oak Grove home on April 8, 2021, when disaster struck. A garden gate suddenly caught fire. Rushing outside, Mark and his wife confronted the culprit: Aaron Wilks, 38.
Wilks was carrying a blue bottle and sprayed a liquid towards the couple. Mark bravely shielded his wife and was soaked in petrol. Moments later, Wilks ignited a flame, setting Mark ablaze instantly.
Mark suffered severe burns and was rushed to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in an induced coma. Despite medical efforts, he tragically died three weeks later on April 30.
Violent Past Between Victim and Attacker Revealed
The shocking arson was just the chilling climax of months of terror. Police uncovered two earlier violent incidents involving Wilks and Mark. On January 31, Wilks stormed into Mark’s home wielding a meat cleaver, threatening and demanding money he claimed was owed. He pressed the cleaver to Mark’s throat and smashed the cooker.
Less than two weeks later, on February 9, Wilks returned with two men, threatening to kill Mark and his family and ripping off a CCTV camera.
The victim’s family identified Wilks as the arson suspect on April 8, linking him directly to all the violent episodes.
Wilks Caught and Charged After Intense Investigation
Police launched a manhunt and arrested Wilks at his Ash Grove address on April 11. They seized crucial evidence: a petrol can, a blue spray bottle, and a coat matching footage from the attacks.
Wilks admitted attending Mark’s house but claimed he acted in self-defence against an alleged knife attack. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed weapon and criminal damage, but denied murder and blackmail charges.
Guilty Verdict Delivers Justice for Mark
After a 10-day trial at Portsmouth Crown Court, the jury found Wilks guilty of murder and blackmail on December 10. He was cleared of applying an explosive substance with intent.
Senior Detective Inspector Pauline Lane said: “This was a horrendous and deeply distressing incident that has resulted in the tragic loss of a beloved husband, father and friend. Aaron Wilks came armed with petrol and a lighter, intent on causing harm. This was the terrible end to months of threats and abuse over a supposed unpaid loan. We thank Mark’s family for their courage and all those who helped our investigation.”
The case highlights a deadly meltdown of violence linked to debt and intimidation, leaving a grieving family searching for answers.
