A WOMAN has been jailed for an arson fire which could have spread throughout a building block.

Victoria Stroud damaged carpet during the incident, which magistrates said could have led to a serious incident.

The 30-year-old was subsequently charged with arson, and she appeared to be sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 3.

Here, it was concluded that appropriate punishment could only be achieved by way of immediate imprisonment.

Prosecutor Leanne Gallagher explained how the incident occurred last month on December 9 in Warrington.

Without lawful excuse, Stroud damaged by fire a carpet belonging to Next Stage Away Forward Housing.

According to the charge on which she was convicted, she intended to destroy or damage the property or was reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

Before sentencing, magistrates said that they would take the defendants guilty plea into account.

However, they remarked that the offence was ‘so serious’ that only a custodial sentence could be justified.

This was due to the potential of the fire spreading among all apartments in the building.

Stroud, of no fixed abode, but of Warrington, was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison.

She was also ordered to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £154.