A father-of-two was allegedly tortured and set on fire in a dispute over seized cigarettes, a jury at Bristol Crown Court heard on June 24, 2026. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Mark Smith, suffered severe burns to 60% of his body in the attack, which occurred on April 12, 2026, in a flat in the St Pauls area of Bristol.
Prosecutor James Wilson told the court that Smith was lured to the flat under the pretense of a meeting, then tied up and subjected to a prolonged assault involving a heated metal rod and a blowtorch. The attack was allegedly motivated by a disagreement over a quantity of cigarettes that had been seized by the victim, worth approximately £5,000.
Three men, aged 29, 34, and 41, have been charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. They were remanded in custody and are due to appear in court again on July 15, 2026. Smith remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition, according to police.
Detective Inspector Sarah Jones of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'This was a brutal and calculated attack. We are supporting the victim and his family, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.' The trial is expected to last four weeks.
