South Yorkshire arsonist rescued by firefighters after setting blaze in property

Beverley Wright, prosecuting, told a previous hearing at the court how Joy Harrison, aged 58, set fire to her former ground-floor flat on Belmont Avenue, Monk Bretton, Barnsley.

Mrs Wright said Harrison contacted the fire service and they extinguished the blazing flat and rescued the defendant on April 4, 2019.

Harrison, who has spent over six-months remanded in custody, pleaded guilty to committing arson recklessly as to whether life would be endangered.

Richard Davies, defending, said Harrison, of Highstone Vale, Worsbrough Common, Barnsley, has alcohol problems and psychiatric reports have had to be considered.

During the latest hearing on Thursday, May 28, Mr Davies said he had not been able to have a conference with Harrison due to technical difficulties during the coronavirus crisis.

Judge Michael Slater adjourned the case for sentencing on June 3.