Ex-Terror Sets Pregnant Ex on Fire in Shocking Battersea Blaze
Harry Owusu-Manu, 39, has been jailed for life after trying to murder his pregnant ex by torching her flat in Battersea, South London. The horrifying attack happened in the early hours of April 25, 2023, when Owusu-Manu deliberately set fire to the home while his ex and her young daughter were inside.
Pregnant Victim and Daughter Suffer Smoke Inhalation
The victim, who is hearing impaired and pregnant at the time, was trapped inside with her little girl. Both were rushed to hospital for smoke inhalation but thankfully survived. Experts confirmed the blaze was started intentionally with a doormat used as the ignition source.
Life Sentence After Five-Week Old Bailey Trial
After a grueling five-week trial at the Old Bailey, Owusu-Manu was convicted on February 23 of two counts of attempted murder, aggravated arson, religiously aggravated harassment, and possession of a lock knife. He was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 22 years on May 3.
Horrific Harassment and Failed Cover-Up
Detective Constable Megan Gittins blasted Owusu-Manu for making his ex’s life “a misery” as he refused to accept their split and inflicted severe physical and psychological abuse. In a desperate attempt to hide his tracks, he spray-painted a CCTV camera black.
But police tracked his movements from his Southwark flat to the victim’s address. Dashcam footage showed him approaching the flat and discarding his clothes used during the attack.
The victim said: “It was devastating that because of this man’s hatefulness I have lost so much that was dear to me.” She described the trauma from that night and how it shattered her sense of safety forever.
