A WOMAN who started two fires within nine days at her terraced home in Kidderminster has been jailed for six years after appearing at Worcester Crown Court.

Judge Michael Mott described Sheila Breakwell as a "highly disturbed" woman who endangered neighbours and regularly committed crimes.

He ordered that Breakwell, 46, of East Street, should be regularly monitored on licence for four years after being released from prison. She had admitted arson and arson being reckless as to whether damage would be caused.

The fire brigade was called to Breakwell's home on September 4 and September 13 last year. On the first occasion, neighbours saw her setting fire to a wheelie bin at her back door at 11pm, said Simon Phillips, prosecuting. She was released on bail and, on September 13, smoke was seen coming from her house at 10.55pm.

Firefighters found a small fire in the cellar. Mr Phillips said Breakwell claimed she had been trying to put out the fire but the water in the house had been turned off. She had convictions dating back to 1991 and these included violence to police.

Defence counsel Yash Mehey said Breakwell had been unwell for 20 years but had improved during treatment while remanded in custody.

But Judge Mott said he was surprised Breakwell had been given bail after the first offence. He said he had to pass a longer than normal sentence to protect the public from serious harm.