A WOMAN who caused more than £11,000 of damage to a sheltered housing block in Basingstoke by setting fire to it has avoided prison. 

Veronica Theart, of Radstock Road, Southampton, committed arson at Roland House, in Cliddesden Road, on July 3, 2021.

The building, belonging to the care home provider Abbeyfield Society, was damaged to the value of more than £11,831.88. 

Theart was also accused of attempted arson at the homeless hostel May Place on August 28, 2021, when she tried to damage property by setting fire to it. 

READ MORE: Court: Woman accused of arson causing £11k damage appears at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court

She appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, February 6 where she pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced.

Prosecuting Ed Wylde told the court that on July 3, 2021, she was a resident at Roland House and was the sole resident of room seven. A number of other residents lived at the address.

Emergency services arrived after Theart set fire to her room. The fire was contained but she was found to be in her room unconscious and was taken hospital.

He told the court at May Place on August 28, 2021, Theart attempted to set fire to a number of items in her room including bedding and her teddy bear.

Judge Paul Dugdale said: "The most important one is the first one, which took place when you were living in the property in Basingstoke. You were living there with a number of other people who lived in their rooms. I understand the difficulties you face going about your day-to-day life. 

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"You set fire to your room in the Abbeyfield accommodation in Basingstoke. The biggest worry is that you were not on your own in that house. If you were on your own that is very sad and upsetting but that is up to you. You set fire to your room with a house you are sharing with about 20 people. Your acts put their life at risk that is the reality of it. The whole of that building could have been burnt down and everyone could have been killed."

The 64-year-old was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She must also take part in 20 days of rehabilitation activities.