Mother of teen set afire speaks about 2009 attack

The mother of a Florida youth set on fire by his former middle school classmates says she believes the family obtained justice when another teen was convicted in the case this week.

Valerie Brewer, the mother of Michael Brewer, also told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday that her son's emotional scars will never go away. But she says the conviction sends a message that bullying won't be tolerated.

Michael Brewer suffered severe burns after being doused with alcohol and set afire in 2009.

He wasn't present Tuesday when a jury convicted 17-year-old Matthew Bent of aggravated battery. The conviction carries a maximum of 15 years in prison. Bent is scheduled to be sentenced July 23.

Two other teens had been sentenced previously in connection with the attack.