Alcoholic escapes jail after church arson attack

AN ALCOHOLIC who set fire to a church after falling asleep while reading hymn sheets has been told to overcome her drink problem.

Caroline Whittle, 36, who caused the blaze at St John's Church, in Copthorne, was warned she must "turn her life around" by a district judge.

She pleaded guilty to arson with the intent to be reckless in starting the fire after the blaze caused damage to the carpet, books and a table at the church on December 2.

A previous hearing heard how Whittle had entered the church to shelter from the rain.

She then started to light some candles and read hymn sheets while drinking a bottle of wine.

However, when Whittle fell asleep, she had put her coat down near the candles, causing a fire to start.

Caroline Whittle pictured outside court

After appearing at Crawley Magistrates' Court on December 4, she became drunk again and gained access to her former home in Worthing and stole items from the flat.

Prosecuting at Monday's court hearing, Sally Edwards said Whittle could not remember being at the address but took Christmas presents, a purse, perfume, sweets, alcohol and a packet of garlic bread amounting to £274.

The prosecution explained how a neighbour recognised Whittle and heard her saying she had lost everything.

He realised she was drunk and phoned the police.

Mitigating, Keith Goatcher said: "She realises she has alcohol problems which is why she is living at Byron Road Hostel (in Worthing), where she is breathalised everyday.

"Both these incidents happened while she was drunk.

"Drink has played a part in her general behaviour. She is doing all she can to sort out her problems.

"She knows she could've killed herself at the church, it was definitely a wake up call."

Mr Goatcher added Whittle had stopped drinking and was attending counselling sessions.

St John's Church, in Copthorne

Sentencing, district judge Roger Ede said: "I'm going to take a chance on you and take a chance you're going to carry on doing what you're doing, not drinking and getting help and support.

"I know it's difficult to turn your life around quickly.

"I'm just going to hope at this stage you see what risk you're taking if you go back to your habits of drinking, you will end up in prison for sometime.

"You cannot rehabilitate yourself if you're still drinking."

Whittle was sentenced to a 12 month community order, told to attend alcohol misuse sessions and pay £85 prosecution costs.