Freed arsonist robs household (From Gazette Series)

Freed arsonist robs household

A CONVICTED woman arsonist who broke into a house in Dursley just two days after she had been freed on licence from a prison sentence said she had no regrets because the victims "had lots of money".

Charlotte Atkins, 21, of Llanthony Road, Gloucester - who has been recalled to complete her arson sentence - was jailed for a further 12 months when she appeared before Gloucester Crown Court on Monday.

She had admitted brazenly breaking into a house in May Lane, Dursley, on August 26 - despite having just met the occupants as they were leaving the property.

Prosecutor Alan Fuller said Atkins received a 12-month sentence on June 10 for setting fire to a block of flats in Gloucester, putting the lives of occupants in danger.

Because of the length of time she had already been in custody on remand she was freed from the sentence on licence on August 24 - and on the 26th she went to Dursley and committed the burglary.

Mr Fuller said the couple who lived in the house had secured it and were on their way out when they met Atkins outside.

Atkins asked about country walks in the area and the couple tried to be helpful and directed her towards the Cotswold Way.

Shortly after they had gone Atkins was seen by a neighbour to return to the couple's house, kick in the gate and then break a window in the conservatory to get in.

Inside the house she made a quick but thorough search and helped herself to a telephone, headphones and a bottle of Vermouth, Mr Fuller said.

But as she left the property police - called by a neighbour - turned up and arrested her.

"She admitted she had only just come out of prison and said she had spent all her money on cigarettes and alcohol," Mr Fuller said.

"She also said that she didn't have any regrets because the victims had lots of money."

Recorder Michael de Navarro observed that Atkins had 11 previous criminal convictions.

Lloyd Jenkins, defending, said Atkins had been recalled to prison to complete her arson sentence and would not now be released until February next year.

He said he could not argue with the Recorder's suggestion of a further 12 months' imprisonment.

Recorder de Navarro passed the new one-year sentence, to begin on February 22, and ordered that Atkins must be kept under supervision when she is next released on licence.