Teen faces sentencing in Fla. burning attack

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- The alleged ringleader in a 2009 attack in which his South Florida middle school classmate was doused with alcohol and set on fire faces sentencing for a battery conviction.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Bent could get a maximum of 15 years behind bars when he is sentenced Thursday afternoon. 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 an apartment complex 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 of attempted murder in June but convicted of battery.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)