A serial female arsonist was warned by a judge that she is danger of being given a life sentence.

Teenager Donna Littlewood put the lives of eight people at risk after setting fire to a house in Ombersley Road, Worcester.

Judge Frank Chapman revealed that it was the third time that Littlewood had set property ablaze where people were living.

But he adjourned the case at Worcester Crown Court for the defence to obtain a report from the probation service on a course of therapy to help Littlewood to stop offending.

Littlewood, aged 19, of Park Street, Worcester, admitted arson while reckless whether life was endangered.

Littlewood had been held in custody since the fire on Tuesday, August 12 last year, at a house belonging to Sheila Stokes. She was returned to detention until Friday, March 26, when she will be sentenced.

Judge Chapman said the choice was either a life sentence or a project where the defendant could be helped while ensuring the public was given adequate protection.

He added: "It has reached a point where she's a real risk. I am not closing my mind to a unit where she can be helped over her problems, but if not the future doesn't look good. I want to explore every avenue before I take any action."

Francis Laird, defending, said Littlewood's suitability for a rehabilitation project would be assessed on Monday, March 8. A report would then be prepared.