A woman who caused £30,000 of damage by setting fire to her home has been spared prison.
Troubled Wendy Walker sparked a blaze on a sofa in the living room then left the house and told a neighbour "I've rang the fire brigade, I'm sorry". The court heard Walker, who had been drinking, said at the scene of the blaze, at Gartland Road, Sunderland, in October 2020, that she "wanted to die".
Prosecutor Paul Rooney told Newcastle Crown Court : "She was described as covered in a black substance, mainly on her face and hands, which looked like soot."
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Mr Rooney said a fire investigation concluded that no accelerant had been used but the flames had taken hold due to the soft furnishings on the sofa. He added: "The estimated cost to repair the damage caused was approximately £30,000."
Walker, 57, of Hampdon Road, Sunderland, admitted arson being reckless to whether life would be endangered. The court heard the house, which was owned by Gentoo, was semi-detached but the next door neighbour was away at the time and Walker knew that.
The court heard she is now alcohol free, is involved in volunteering and charity work, has good references and support. Judge Robert Spragg told Walker: "At that point you were at your lowest ebb. You have made a remarkable transformation since then. "You are a very long way now from where you were."
Judge Spragg sentenced Walker to two years imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with rehabilitation requirements and 100 hours unpaid work.
Tony Cornberg, defending, said Walker was suffering from anxiety and depression at the time and had made multiple attempts at self harm. Mr Cornberg said Walker described alcohol as her "best friend" at the time
and she was hospitalised due to her mental health after the fire.
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