A woman set off a firework in her boyfriend’s flat causing a fire and thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Collette McClean, 33, and her then-partner were drinking at the rented flat on Berry Street in Swinton when one of their neighbours saw smoke ‘billowing’ out of the window.
She called 999 and stood outside before she was joined by McClean who said to her: “I have let a firework off in the flat, have you seen Pete?”
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McClean, of Crumpsall, appeared ‘distressed’ and in pain, with blood dripping from her finger, Manchester Crown Court heard.
Fire crews raced to the flat on Richmond Court and used breathing apparatus and a hose to extinguish the flames.
McClean has since pleaded guilty to the offence of arson on a reckless basis, and was today handed a suspended sentence of imprisonment.
Peter Gilmour, prosecuting said that on November 21 of last year at around 1pm, residents at the flats congregated outside as they looked on as four firefighters entered the building to put the fire out.
“A fire investigation report was put together on the premise that both occupants were under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
“Both gave an account that she lit a firework inside the premises.
“The inspector said the fire started from an initial spark, that being the firework, which set fire to some clothing near to the sofa.”
Both McClean and her then-partner were inside the flat at the time.
No residents remained within the block of flats after the concern was raised.
Following the fire, the couple were given notice to leave the flat by the flat owner as there had been other issues as well, the court heard.
McClean was said to have two previous convictions, with the most recent being for an offence of wounding in November 2015.
Mitigating, Andrew Smith said the owner of the flat had sought compensation to the sum of £21,000, but that included redecorating and an electrical rewire.
“If you look at the pictures of the damage, it shows the extent of the damage which is limited to a wall,” he said.
“I ask the court to consider whether, in fact, there was a serious risk of harm in this case.”
Remarking on the contents of a probation report and a psychiatric report available to the judge, he added: “There is a combination of personal difficulties and abuse.
“Baring in mind her age and her early guilty plea, I would submit that in order to retain her liberty, a series of stringent conditions can be imposed.
“She urges the court to give her an opportunity.”
Sentencing her, Judge Anthony Cross QC said: “This offence is so serious only a custodial sentence can be an appropriate sentence in your case - there is no doubt about it.
“You had taken alcohol and were more concerned with what was taking place in your life.
“Had the consequences been worse, I would have sent you to jail.
“If you breach the order I am going to pass on you, it would give me great pleasure to send you to jail for Christmas.”
McClean, of Cleveland Road, was handed an 18 month jail sentence which was suspended for two years, a nine-month alcohol treatment programme and 30 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.
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