AN Alcester woman who started a 'bonfire' in her own flat and then locked herself in a wardrobe with her pet kitten, has been given a life prison sentence.

A judge at Warwick Crown Court imposed the sentence after hearing that Dawn Herdman had a previous conviction for arson and deciding that she poses a danger to the public.

Herdman, 34, of St Faith's Road, had pleaded guilty to a charge of arson being reckless whether the life of her neighbour in the flat below was endangered.

Prosecutor Kate Iliffe said that on June 1 Herdman and her partner Pete Matthews argued and Margaret Davies, who lives in the flat below, heard banging and shouting and items being thrown down the internal stairs and out of windows.

Mrs Davies went outside and saw Mr Matthews, whose face was bleeding, and told him she was going to call the police, but he was already on the phone to them.

When Mrs Davies' husband returned she ran outside to warn him what was happening and saw flames coming from the door and windows of the upstairs flat.

Herdman's had piled a mattress and other items against her door before setting them on fire. She then locked herself in a wardrobe with a kitten.

There was a large amount of fire and smoke damage to the flat and force had to be used to get Herdman out.

The court heard that she had said: "It's arson, you'll have to lock me up now."

She admitted starting the fire after a row with Mrs Davies who had complained about the noisy argument with Mr Matthews. She had wanted to give her neighbours "a good show", the court heard.

Herdman was convicted of arson in 2000.

Judge Richard Cole pointed out that because Herdman had committed two specified offences he had to impose a life sentence if he believed she posed a serious risk of harm to the public.

Nick Devine, defending, said: "The background is chronic alcoholism and a violent domestic relationship."

He added: "One thing prison can do for her is to get her off the drink,"

Mr Devine also said Herdman regretted the arson but, according to a psychiatric report, does not have an obsession with fire.

Judge Cole told Herdman: "You have pleaded guilty to what can only be described as a grave offence."