Kimberworth woman (26) jailed for torching house of vulnerable pensioner

A 26-YEAR-old Kimberworth woman has been jailed for more than nine years after setting fire to a house in Maltby — leaving a vulnerable pensioner trapped inside. 
Laura MallettLaura Mallett
Laura Mallett

A 26-YEAR-old Kimberworth woman has been jailed for more than nine years after setting fire to a house in Maltby — leaving a vulnerable pensioner trapped inside.

Laura Mallett set fire to the home of Brian Snaith in Strauss Crescent, Maltby, in the early hours of New Year's Eve, 2018. 

The victim was saved after a passing off-duty police officer saw the blaze and alerted emergency services. 

Mallett, of Thornton Terrace, visited the victim at around 5.30am — breaching a restraining order Mr Snaith already had against her — asking him for alcohol.

"After the 65-year-old refused to drink with Mallett and headed upstairs, she callously set fire to the living room sofa before fleeing, leaving him trapped," said a police spokeswoman.

"Mallett then watched from a nearby address as emergency services and neighbours rushed to help. Mallett was arrested shortly afterwards and later charged with arson with intent to endanger life."

Mallett pleaded guilty to the offence last month and was sentenced to nine years and three months at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday. She was also ordered to pay £170 costs.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Con Paul McIntyre, of Rotherham CID said: "It’s important to recognise the background to this incident, where Mallett had essentially taken advantage of a very vulnerable man and had used him for money, alcohol and somewhere to stay.

"At the time of this offence, the victim had a restraining order against her after being subject to an assault and criminal damage.

"On the night of the fire, Mallett had enticed her way in to the property, but was quickly angered when the victim refused to have a drink with her."

Det Con McIntyre said due to efforts of the passing police officer, and the fast and brave actions of neighbours, the victim was rescued and brought to safety.

After the rescue, Mr Snaith spent two days in Rotherham Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

 

 

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