A pyromaniac previously convicted of setting OAPs' homes on fire after having sex with them has been jailed again after torching a vulnerable pensioner's sofa.
Laura Mallett, 25, callously started a fire at a "vulnerable" 65-year-old acquaintance's home before fleeing, leaving him trapped inside after he refused to supply her with alcohol, a court heard.
She then watched the resulting blaze spread from a neighbouring property.
Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday (February 7), Mallett was sentenced to nine years behind bars having already admitted to starting the blaze at an earlier hearing.
The court heard how the offence was carried out in Maltby near Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in the early hours of December 31, 2018.
At the time, the homeowner had a restraining order against Mallett after being subjected to an earlier assault and criminal damage.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after a passing off-duty police officer saw the house was on fire.
Having fled the property Mallet watched the fire from a nearby address as firefighters and neighbours rushed to help.
Fortunately, the victim was able to escape unscathed and Mallett was arrested shortly afterwards before being charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
The defendant has previously been convicted for committing arson at the properties of men she has slept with men who were up to 40 years her senior.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Constable Paul McIntyre, of Rotherham CID said: “It’s important to recognise the background to this incident, where Mallett had essentially taken advantage of a very vulnerable man and had used him for money, alcohol and somewhere to stay.
"At the time of this offence, the victim had a restraining order against her after being subject to an assault and criminal damage.
“On the night of the fire, Mallett had enticed her way in to the property, but was quickly angered when the victim refused to have a drink with her.
“Thanks to a passing police officer, and the fast and brave actions of neighbours, the victim was rescued from the property and brought to safety. He then spent two days in Rotherham Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and witnesses, and I am really pleased that Mallett’s been handed the sentence she deserves.”
As well as a custodial sentence Mallet was also ordered to pay £170 costs.
