Drunk Woman Sets Her Own House On Fire, Gets Jailed For Three Years For Arson

In a bizarre incident, a woman was so drunk that she set her home on fire and was lucky to be alive after being rescued by two good samaritans.

Kerry McCrudden deliberately set her bed on fire while she was lying on it, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

McCrudden, who had just been released from a hospital, torched property in Wrekenton, Gateshead, England, on May 30 this year, Chronicle Live reported.

Newcastle Chronicle

The blaze was spotted by people nearby, who courageously went in and carried her out to safety before calling the emergency services.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) were quick on the scene and extinguished the fire within minutes.

McCrudden, who has a range of mental health issues, has been jailed for three years for arson. The court was told how the 38-year-old's mother died in a house fire.

Newcastle Chronicle

"Kerry McCrudden not only put her own life in danger when she started the fire in her bedroom but also the lives of those who ran into the address in a bid to rescue her. Those brave Good Samaritans should be applauded for their life-saving actions ¨C and I would like to sincerely thank them for their intervention," Detective Constable Abbie Young, of Northumbria Police, was quoted as saying by Chronicle Live.

Ą°However, this entire incident was entirely avoidable given that McCrudden knowingly and willingly lit the flame. She now must deal with the consequences of her actions," the constable added.

Jane Foley, prosecuting, said: "The man ran upstairs and could see flames coming from the bedroom and heard the voice of a female coming from within it."

Newcastle Chronicle

"A double bed was on fire and the defendant was lying, naked, at one side on top of the bed covers."

The man, with the help of another person, carried McCrudden outside to safety while a woman covered her with a damp towel.

McCrudden, of Ravensworth Villas, Wrekenton, pleaded guilty to one count of arson and one count of destroying/damaging property with intent to endanger life on November 15.

She re-appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday where she was given a three-year custodial sentence.

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