TWO women have been jailed for just under six years after admitting starting a fire which destroyed a man's flat.

Recorder Paul Camp said the actions of Kirsty Scott and Natasha Davis, both drunk at the time of the incident, were “very dangerous” and “wicked”.

Teesside Crown Court heard how 24-year-old Scott had been in a relationship with the victim, while Davis had previously admitted making a false allegation to police about him.

He was said to have lost everything as a result of the blaze in Cromwell Avenue, Stockton, on the afternoon of January 3 last year.

A number of other occupants were present at the time in the flats, although no-one was injured.

Prosecuting, Rachel Masters said Scott and Davis were captured on CCTV cameras hanging around the area and had actually alerted a passer-by and told them to ring the fire brigade.

They were arrested with Davis telling police officers she had lit some paper and set fire to a mattress.

Scott – the more heavily convicted of the pair with 46 previous offences to her name - initially denied any responsibility, but said she had kicked the front door open.

Davis, 20, of Zetland Road, Stockton, was said to regret her involvement and felt foolish that she had taken part in what was regarded as a joint enterprise.

Duncan McReddie, for Scott, of Melville Walk, Stockton, said she had a cavalier attitude to alcohol, but now realised the extent of her problem.

Both women admitted arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered.

Recorder Paul Camp jailed Davis for two years, six months and Scott for three years, four months.

He said: “This is a a very dangerous thing to do. It is wicked and puts the lives of others at risk.”