Baldivis fire attack: Concreter and family man Jai Brebner identified as victim of alleged gang-related attack

A man who was doused in accelerant and set alight with a blowtorch in an alleged gang-related attack has been identified as a “hardworking concreter and family man”. Two men allegedly confronted Jai Brebner at a Baldivis home on December 30, pouring a flammable liquid on him before setting him alight with a blow torch. Police say it caused a “fireball” that left extensive burns to the “entire front of the victim’s body and head”. Mr Brebner, who is in his 40s, remains in a critical condition in Fiona Stanley Hospital. Melanie Blazseka, a friend of Mr Brebner, said he had been left with burns to 60 per cent of his body after the “unprovoked attack”. He is expected to remain in hospital for several months as he undergoes up to 15 surgeries. A GoFundMe page has since been launched with Ms Blazseka saying “this fund is for him and his family hoping to help relieve coming weeks financial stress”. “Jai is a hardworking concreter and family man who was the main income earner of household , these funds will ensure they can pay the rent and cover cost of bills, or however needed.” The fundraiser comes after David John Stitson, 50, was arrested at a hotel in East Perth on Monday night after a two-week manhunt. Mr Stitson fronted Rockingham Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and preventing arrest. No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody ahead of his next court appearance on February 7. It comes after his co-accused, a 24-year-old man, was arrested in Rockingham on January 8 and charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to appear at Rockingham Magistrates Court on the same date as his co-accused. Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Thompson, of the gang crime squad, said the two alleged offenders had associations with an outlaw motorcycle gang. The West Australian understands the men are linked to the Rebels. Police Commissioner Col Blanch said an unpaid debt was the “most likely scenario” that led to the fire attack.