Troubled teen jailed over children's home arson

4:00pm Saturday 11th October 2008

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A TEENAGE girl received a three year sentence after admitting deliberately starting a fire in a young people's home.

Sarah Louise Carr, 18, who has already been in custody for over a year, appeared for sentence at Durham Crown Court.

David Crook prosecuting said Carr had been a resident at the Framwellgate Moor Children's Home in Durham and on October 7 last year had returned to the premises at around 10.30pm.

At the time, there were three other young people in residence and two supervisory staff.

After they had all retired to their rooms, said Mr Crook, staff had become concerned over banging noises coming from Carr's room and as they went to investigate the fire alarm sounded and the others were all evacuated.

Smoke was seen coming from Carr's room and two fire officers gained entry and brought the teenager to safety.

Later investigations revealed that Carr had started the fire after spraying an accelerant on the carpet and door.

Defending Carr, Rob Mairs told the court "this is a truly pathetic case her biography is wretched.''

Sentencing Carr, Judge Beatrice Bolton told her: "You were 17 when you committed this offence, you are clearly a very troubled young woman.''

Reports, said Judge Bolton had indicated, however, that Carr's behaviour was improving and she was told she would serve half her sentence in custody in a Young Offenders Institution and half on licence in the community.