Title: Street preacher set alight forgives
attacker
Author: Chris Herde and Janelle Miles
Publication: The Age
Date: Mar 7, 2002
URL:
http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/2002/03/07/FFX2P6RFHYC.html
A Brisbane street preacher, doused
with fuel and set alight, has forgiven his attacker.
Pastor Paul Sheehan, 50, had been preaching "the word of
the Lord" on a street corner at West End, on Brisbane's
southside, when a man apparently took exception to his
fire and brimstone sermon.
"I forgive him for what he's done because the Lord Jesus
forgives me," Pastor Sheehan told Channel Ten.
"But at the same time he will now reap what he sows."
Police said the man first pushed Pastor Sheehan into a
glass window and returned a short time later, doused him
with lighter fluid and set him alight.
"All I could think about was taps and I knew there were
none around," Pastor Sheehan said.
"I fell to the ground and I was just hitting myself
trying to put it out."
With his clothes and head on fire, he ran into a nearby
hardware store seeking help.
A passing off-duty paramedic and the local shopkeeper
were able to douse the flames.
The incident happened at the corner of Vulture and
Boundary streets at about 10am(AEST) where Pastor
Sheehan regularly conducts his provocative sermons.
Some locals have complained Pastor Sheehan's sermons
were designed to provoke and stir.
Pastor Sheehan was taken to the Royal Brisbane Hospital
for treatment to minor burns to his face and neck and
later released.
The 36-year-old offender was taken to Princess Alexandra
Hospital complaining of chest pains.
He was later released from hospital and charged with
attempted murder, acts causing grievous bodily harm and
common assault.
The man was expected to appear in the Brisbane
Magistrates Court tomorrow.
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