Man sentenced to 17 years for manslaughter and arson after rejecting lover
Timothy Loosemore received a 17-year prison term for manslaughter and setting fire to Maree Vermont’s home after she ended their relationship.
In a sentencing on Friday, Justice Andrew Tinney condemned Timothy Loosemore for the manslaughter of Maree Vermont and the deliberate burning of her home north of Melbourne. Loosemore, 63, had been living in a room provided by Vermont in exchange for work on her property and briefly dated her before she ended the relationship five days prior to her death. Jurors concluded he assaulted the 60-year-old mother of three on the evening of August 5, 2023, and then set fire to the house she had built over decades.
The judge highlighted Loosemore’s lack of remorse, his false statements to neighbours, police, paramedics and even his psychologist, and sentenced him to 17 years, with parole possible after 13. The court noted his lack of prior convictions and potential for rehabilitation. Vermont’s son Darcy said the family was relieved the legal process was now complete.
