A judge is offering help rather than punishment to a teenager who started a fire at a home.
Chantelle Davies, 18, pleaded guilty to a charge of arson on the property in School Close, Whitchurch, on January 9.
The case was before Judge William Hart at Bristol Crown Court today. (Dec 16)
The judge told the court: "A doctor has looked into the case in great detail.
"He has identified a mental health condition which may be amenable to treatment.
"It may be we end up with a hospital order recommendation."
Matthew Comer, defending, suggested that the judge impose an Interim Hospital Order for his client to be assessed at Fromeside Hospital, Bristol.
He said: "It is something which her family support wholeheartedly.
"They feel Chantelle would benefit greatly from that."
The judge told Davies: "Dr Toogood produced a very, very detailed report about your position.
"He recommends you receive treatment.
"That can only be done if I make an Interim Hospital Order.
"That may sound quite frightening but it is not as frightening as going to prison.
"If it leads to a full Hospital Order it may well turn out to be enormously beneficial to you.
"If there is a problem which can be addressed by medical treatment it may make a material difference to how the rest of your life goes.
"It will be good for you and will also be good for everyone it it prevents you committing an offence again."
The judge imposed an Interim Hospital Order pending the case's next return to court on March 5.
