Woman risked lives when she sparked £8,000 blaze in boyfriend's flat

A woman who put lives at risk when she sparked an £8,000 blaze in her boyfriend's flat has kept her freedom.

Three fire engines and an ambulance were dispatched to a block of six flats in Slatyford, Newcastle, when Dawn Belisle started the fire on the third floor, where she had been living with her partner, in June 2021.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the flames were extinguised before they could spread to neighbouring homes but there was extensive damage inside her then boyfriend's flat, which cost over £8,000 to repair.

Belisle initially claimed the fire had been an accident but investigations ruled out that explanation.

Prosecutor Andrew Finlay told the court: "Messages showed she didn't like living in her partner's flat and didn't want to spent any more time there.”

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Belisle later admitted arson being reckless to whether life would be endangered on the basis she did not intend to injure anyone, had knocked on neighbours' doors to alert them and had called the emergency services when the fire took hold.

The court heard Belisle, 29, of Tebay Drive, Newcastle, has mental health and alcohol issues and has expressed remorse and shame.

Judge Robert Adams sentenced her to two years, suspended for two years with rehabilitation requirements.

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