AN arsonist who set fire to wheelie bins and left the burning containers outside the front doors of flats where people were sleeping is now behind bars.

Sonja Johnson, of Marshall Avenue, was handed a four year sentence after admitting the arson spree which took place last year.

The court heard how the 27-year-old deliberately started 18 fires between November 19 and November 21 at locations across the town.

Police were called to the first incident on November 19 after a number of wheelie bins had been set on fire on Toll Bar Road.

A letter box had also been stuffed with tissues and set on fire.

Prosecuting, Caroline Harris said: "All the fires were extinguished by the fire brigade - some of them were directly in front of the doors.

"If the fire had taken hold the only way to escape would have been through the flat windows."

Firefighters were also called out to tackle bin fires at Toby Carvery and the Premier Inn on Winwick Road, properties on Longshaw Street, Pure Gym at Winwick Quay, KFC and Thompson Holidays on the Alban Retail Park.

On November 21, emergency services were called to LA Bowl at Winwick Quay following a further report of a fire.

Johnson was spotted near to the scene, watching firefighters tackle the blaze.

Ms Harris added: "The defendant was found near to the scene with several lighters and toilet paper.

"She told police she had the toilet roll because she had a cold.

"She was searched and she was described as being agitated."

It was later discovered that toilet paper and tissues had been used to start a number of the blazes.

Defending Simon Christie said there was 'no alternative' but an immediate custodial sentence for the defendant, who had previous convictions for arson in 2002 which were committed when she was aged 14.

But he added there was hope that she could turn her life around.

He said: "On the number of occasions I have seen the defendant since this case came to these courts, today is the first time I have seen her looking like a bright and alert young woman.

"On all other occasions there has been clear evidence of self harm. It is distressing to see the cuts and bruises."

He added that the incidents were 'unsophisticated and designed to attract attention' and she has previously struggled with an addiction to alcohol.

Sentencing, Recorder David Williams said it was evident that Johnson had lived a troubled life as a result of a ‘traumatic childhood’.

But he added: "It is an offence for which it is possible to impose a life sentence on you and for public protection.

"I withdraw back from that because I think there is light at the end of the tunnel but you are going to need an awful lot of help and cooperation from yourself, the prison service and your family."

Johnson was handed a four year sentence at Warrington Crown Court today, Wednesday, but can be released on licence after serving half the time.

She was also given an extended licence period of five years.

CHESHIRE FIRE and Rescue Service have welcomed the news that Johnson had been handed a four-year sentence.

Sean Henshaw, service delivery manager for Halton and Warrington said: “Arson is such a reckless and dangerous act which can quite easily lead to a very serious incident.

"Fire is never something to be underestimated and can quickly spread putting lives in danger. It also puts firefighters in danger and leads to an unnecessary waste of resources for us as we could be required somewhere else when dealing with these deliberate fires.

“We take arson very serious for all these reasons and work closely with police to ensure that the people responsible are dealt with through the court system.

"I hope this case acts as a deterrent for others who may think about starting a fire.”

To read the full warning by Cheshire Fire click here.