Mum-of-six jailed for arson attacks

A MOTHER-OF-SIX has been jailed for four years after admitting arson.

Maxine Daniels, aged 35, formerly of Chain Street, Smallthorne, pleaded guilty to arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered and attempted arson.

Daniels was originally accused of setting fire to a house in Bretherton Place, Chell, on May 10 last year, with intent to endanger the life of Colin McKay.

But she was found not guilty on the first day of her trial in November, after the prosecution offered no evidence in relation to the more serious charge.

Yesterday, Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court was told Daniels had set fire to two doors at Mr McKay's house and had also attempted to set fire to his car, which was parked outside the property.

Phil Beardwell, prosecuting, said: "At around 4am on May 10 last year, Mr McKay was woken by his mobile phone ringing.

"He heard noises coming from his front door and when he went to the door he saw liquid which he thought was diesel and a burning cloth."

The court heard that a fire had also been set at the other door to Mr McKay's house, and that when the complainant went outside he found a seat of fire next to his car and saw a woman running away carrying a container and a funnel.

The complainant had recognised the woman and went back inside his house to call the police.

The court was told that when Daniels was arrested the sleeve of her top was burnt and her fringe was also singed.

She made derogatory comments about Mr McKay at the police station and said that she "hated him".

The court heard that Mr McKay had been having a relationship with Daniels's daughter, but this had stopped shortly before the arson.

Daniels has a previous conviction for robbery in 2003 for which she was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

David Bentley, defending, said: "Miss Daniels deeply regrets what she did and is genuinely remorseful.

"She had consumed a large quantity of alcohol, although this is not put forward to try to dilute the seriousness of the offence.

"She is a mother of six children, her youngest being 14-months-old, and is concerned for their care and knows that because of her lifestyle on occasions she has failed to do this.

"She knows she only has herself to blame, but her intention was never to cause injury to the complainant.

"She took the decision, which was fuelled by drink and drugs, to cause damage to his home in an attempt to get him moved out of the area and away from her daughter.

"Her judgement was clearly blurred and she is devastated by what she has done."

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones told Daniels: "This was really quite a premeditated offence because you took with you equipment to set a fire.

"You must now realise the enormity of this type of offence. The target was clearly Mr McKay and this was clearly retribution on your part. I accept you were affected by drink but you should not have taken that step at all.

"You have made strides inside custody over the last eight months and that is progress you should maintain."