Lives at risk after woman set fire to flat
VULNERABLE people’s lives were put at risk when a woman set fire to her flat by torching her curtains.
Clare Gill was one of seven people who had learning difficulties or mental health problems requiring round-theclock care or support who were living at a multi-occupancy property in Gateshead.
On November 8 last year, a support worker heard the fire alarm go off and found smoke coming from the room occupied by Gill while she stood outside it.
The room was on fire so all of the people living there were evacuated. Omar Ahmad, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: “While waiting for the fire service, the defendant informed them that she had started the fire by setting a lighter to the curtains.”
The fire service extinguished the blaze in the ground floor flat, which cost around £20,000 to repair.
Gill, 52, of no fixed address, who has 20 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and was sentenced to two years suspended for two years with rehabilitation.