JAILED: Furious mother who tried to burn down daughter's house

Angry Allison Lawley was pouring petrol along a path around the property when spotted by one of the occupants who rushed outside and wrestled her to the ground, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The 42-year-old was arrested at the scene and veered between tears and anger on the journey to the police station, said Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, who added:

"Her daughter went to live with friends and the defendant was upset about this and was seen acting suspiciously outside the house. The incident left those living there shaken and worried about their future safety."

Mother of five Lawley, who struck in Lincoln Road, West Bromwich after a drinking spree and an argument with her partner, remembers little or nothing of what happened on May 11. She told police she went on the binge because she had been feeling 'down.' It remains unclear where she got the petrol.

Mr Sukhdev Garcha, defending, said: "She is ordinarily a caring person. This was out of character. She had a somewhat turbulent upbringing, spent time in care, suffers from depression and has a number of other internal issues which she deals with by going on binges. She has demons which need to be addressed and is deeply concerned by the possible consequences of her actions."

Lawley from Beverley Road, West Bromwich, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to attempted arson while reckless as to whether life was endangered and was jailed for 15 months.

Judge John Warner said: "You took against the complainant because of your daughter and poured petrol against the property and on the pathway. You were clearly going to set light to this while highly under the influence of alcohol.

"You obviously had difficulties in earlier life and have a complicated history but you cannot go around trying to set light to people's houses."