FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The alleged ringleader of a 2009 attack in which his South Florida middle school classmate was doused with alcohol and set on fire has been sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Eighteen-year-old Matthew Bent was sentenced Thursday for an aggravated battery conviction. Two other teenagers are already serving prison time for their roles in the attack on Michael Brewer, who was then 15.
Brewer survived by leaping into a swimming pool but suffered severe burns. Trial testimony showed the attack stemmed from a dispute between Bent and Brewer over a marijuana pipe. Witnesses said the boys with Bent found a jug of rubbing alcohol and decided to pour it on Brewer.
Bent was acquitted in June of the more serious charge of attempted murder.
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