Man who tried to light girlfriend on fire for refusing meal sentenced to probation

A Des Moines man charged with trying to light his girlfriend on fire has been sentenced to probation.

Pah Lo Baw, 36, was arrested in March after police said he poured gasoline inside his home and on his girlfriend and lit it on fire, causing minor damage to the house and singeing his own hair. Baw told first responders that he was upset with his girlfriend because she did not want to eat with him, according to court filings, but claimed he was not trying to harm her.

His girlfriend reportedly tried to extinguish the fire before leaving the home. No serious injuries were reported.

Baw was charged with attempted murder and arson, and has spent the past six months in custody. In August, he pleaded guilty to reduced charges of criminal mischief and threat to commit arson, both felonies. On Friday, he was sentenced to a suspended 10-year prison term and two years of probation, with conditions including mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment.

Baw, who does not speak English, waived his right to a sentencing hearing, and there was no victim impact statement.

Judge Jeffrey Nelmark also left in place a no-contact order between Baw and the victim, with a one-time exception for him to enter his former home accompanied by police to retrieve his belongings.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Man who tried to light girlfriend on fire for refusing meal sentenced to probation