The groom who set fire to his best man

10:17am Thursday 24th July 2008

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This picture of a happy wedding party was taken just weeks before the bridegroom attacked and set fire to his best man.

Wayne Barnes was jailed for at least 15 years this week for the attack on John Maynard, who lost both legs and several fingers through horrific burns.

Barnes left his 37-year-old boss – who had paid for his wedding – for dead before stealing his safe and fleeing in his car.

Mr Maynard survived to see Barnes jailed and is now piecing his life back together after setting up home in a specially adapted flat in Littlehampton.

He says his rehabilitation has been hampered by delays in providing essential equipment such as a cooker.

Even the wheelchair in which he attended court had been provided by Sussex Police.

Mr Maynard said he has not received the support he needs from social services to try to lead a normal life.

He said: “They’ve messed up a lot of stuff. This is one of many things. They messed up big style.”

Barnes, of Shelby Road, Durrington, Worthing, was found guilty of attempted murder by a jury at Hove Crown Court.

He was jailed for life and told he must serve a minimum of 15 years before he is entitled to parole.

Judge David Rennie described the attack as “an act of unspeakable savagery and ruthless betrayal”.

Mr Maynard was attacked in October last year after a pub crawl in Littlehampton – six weeks after Barnes’s wedding.

Mr Maynard had recently told his friend he had no more work for him.

He woke up in his flat to find Barnes screaming at him. He was beaten over the head then set on fire.

Barnes then stole a safe containing £30,000, a wallet and credit cards as well as Mr Maynard’s car.

As a result of his injuries, Mr Maynard had to have both legs amputated below the knee.

He spent months in hospital at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, then in rehabilitation at Southlands Hospital in Shoreham.

His release from hospital was held up because no flat was available for him to move into.

He had employed 200 people as the head of a successful removals firm, but lost his livelihood after the attack.

In a statement written in January Mr Maynard said: “This man is a dangerous animal, a monster.

“He took my life away and I think it is only fair and just and right that the same punishment be given to him.

“I was moving into a nice new home and I was looking forward to my future.

“What has happened to me is my worst nightmare come true.”