'Well alight' - Troubled Jarrow woman set her home on fire causing £10,000 worth of damage
Woman pleads guilty to arson after blaze at Jarrow home.
A troubled woman sparked a £10,000 blaze at her home.
Sarah Stewart had been drinking before she started the fire at Cleveland Court in Jarrow, on January 2.
Newcastle Crown Court heard when the fire service attended the internal porchway was "well alight" and the fire had spread into the hallway.
After fire fighters forced entry into the property, Stewart was found in the kitchen and taken to hospital where she was treated for smoke inhalation.
Stewart was arrested the following day and said, in a prepared statement, she had recently been released from being detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.
The 34-year-old later pleaded guilty to arson and has been remanded in custody.
Judge Robert Spragg today sentenced her to 18 months, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements.
The judge said: "It seems the fire was started by setting alight to a pile of clothes with a lighter.
"At the police station you said you couldn't remember what happened due to mental health issues.
"It is right you had just been released from hospital under the Mental Health Act."
Judge Spragg said repair costs at the council property are estimated to be £10,000 and added: "Neighbours were clearly frightened by what had taken police.
"The damage causes addition burden on public resources at a time of scarce housing for those who need it."
The judge said Stewart admitted she had drank a "considerable amount" of alcohol but accepted it was at a time when she was in distress and has since shown remorse.
The court heard Stewart will now stay with her partner and has said she will co-operate with the authorities who can help her.
Shaun Routledge, defending, said Stewart is "very vulnerable" and suffers from mental disorders.