A BOLTON woman who set fire to her bedroom in a Cheshire block of flats was warned of the potentially devastating results her actions could have when she appeared in court.

Anne Woodward caused the fire as a resident of Morgan House in Warrington while heavily intoxicated, having drank six to seven bottles of wine.

Her partner was able to extinguish the flames before any serious damage was caused.

The 36-year-old, formerly of Morgan House but now living in Bolton, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to arson being reckless as to whether life could be endangered.

Mike Stephenson, prosecuting, told the court how Woodward had a history of mental health and drink issues prior to the events of October 26.

She was living in Morgan House with her partner, her now 19-year-old daughter and her boyfriend.

By 5pm, the defendant had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol following a stressful experience earlier that day and became involved in a ‘trivial’ row with her daughter over shoes.

Around 20 minutes later, her daughter received phone call from her step-mother telling her to check on her mum urgently. The step-mum had just received a call from Woodward in which she said that she wanted to set fire to her bedroom.

The defendant’s daughter went to her mother’s room and opened the door, which revealed a thick cloud of smoke and crumpled paper on the bed.

The fire was already out at this point, having been quelled by the defendant’s partner, but emergency services were called to the scene.

Defence barrister Julian Farley offered mitigation on behalf of his client by way of her guilty plea as an indication of how she was ‘extremely remorseful and regretful about actions’.

He said: “The defendant has shown significant remorse in her psychological and pre-sentence reports. It is very fortunate that the fire did not do more damage.

“She has since stopped her alcohol consumption and re-engaged with Warrington mental health team.

“There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and I invite you to sentence the defendant to a suspended sentence or community order.”

Before passing his sentence, Recorder Paul Reid said: “You chose to get heavily intoxicated – you were not on the verge of passing out, but not far from it.

“I accept that you have shown remorse for what you did. When sober and thinking carefully, you know that setting fire in a flat poses grave risks, as you do not know how far fire will go.

“The prospect of the fire spreading was low, but all arson is serious as you may not intend to cause much damage, but it can quickly get out of control.”

Woodward was sentenced to a two-year community order which includes 60 rehabilitation activity requirement days.