Woman set fire to home in bid to get rehoused

Debra Joyce Wainwright, who had a history of mental health problems, was being harassed by local youths knocking on her door and shouting abuse through the letter box, Tamara Dove-O'Hara representing her told Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

She had made calls to the police for help and to those housing her at the premises in Grove Lane, Hemsworth, but felt no one was offering her assistance.

"She felt backed into a corner and instead of trying to deal with it in a more appropriate manner she felt if she effectively burnt herself out she would have to be rehoused," she said.

Jonathan Devlin prosecuting said Wainwright admitted setting fire to curtains in her living room with a lighter. She said she had knocked on a neighbour's door when she left and they would have been able to smell smoke.

When officers pointed out to her fumes within the property could kill she said she was not a murderer, no one had got hurt and everyone had got out.

The court heard she had a previous conviction for arson in 2004 when she received a community rehabilitation order for three years.

Wainwright, 48, admitted arson, reckless whether life was endangered, on July 20.

Jailing her, Recorder Duncan Smith said the offence was dangerous and premeditated.