Woman who burnt lover with hot oil granted bail

Apr 10, 2009 News

– maintains her love for victim

Denise Hilliman remonstrates with the victim’s relatives at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

A 40-year-old woman who on Wednesday last reportedly doused her young lover with hot oil, causing him to be hospitalised with significant burns about the body, was yesterday granted $100,000 bail when she appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, before Magistrate Yohhahnseh Cave, charged with attempted murder.
The woman, Denise Hilliman, of Sophia, is accused of pouring a pot of hot oil on her 29-year-old lover, Keith Cox, while he was asleep at her home.

Keith Cox earlier this year.

The woman, who was detained by police shortly after the incident, was not required to plead but later showed remorse and vowed to ensure that Cox receives the best of treatment even if it means taking him to a private hospital.
This is despite the anger expressed by Cox’s family members who packed the courtroom to hear the proceedings.
Magistrate Cave pointed out that the court is not inclined to grant bail in these types of matters but he took into consideration that Hilliman has a fixed place of abode as well as her claims that she is a mother of five and is currently four months’ pregnant.
He ordered that she report to the Turkeyen Police Station everyday at 09:00 hours until the Preliminary Inquiry is completed.
Earlier, Hilliman, who showed marks on her hands, which she claimed were inflicted by Cox, traded words with family members of the victim.
She told them that despite what happened she still loved Cox and was positive that he would reconcile with her.
Cox’s family members, however, indicated that if she had indeed loved the young man she would not have disfigured him to the extent of his injuries.
The woman has vowed to visit the injured man in hospital even if it means confronting members of Cox’s family.
According to relatives, Cox and the woman had only been involved in a relationship as of January this year.
Cox is now unable to speak and see because he sustained severe burns to his entire face, his left shoulder and arm, parts of his back and abdomen and his legs.
According to relatives, they are awaiting a report from an eye specialist to determine if Cox’s eyesight has been permanently affected.