A DRUNKEN mother-of-two who started a fire at her home told police "I just wanted to get rid of them all", Worcester Crown Court was told.

Christina White had been involved in a scuffle with one of her sons, said Simon Rippon, prosecuting.

The fire was out when firemen arrived but White was clearly drunk and admitted she drank five to six cans of lager each day.

White, aged 51, of Godiva Road, Leominster, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

She had no previous convictions and had served the equivalent jail sentence of 15 months while on remand, said Nicolas Cartwright, defending.

Hostel

Judge Michael Mott accepted his suggestion that she should be sent to a probation hostel for assessment and return to court on July 15.

The fire on November 9 last year damaged curtains, a foot stool and carpet in the lounge, said Mr Rippon. White confessed immediately and there had been a similar incident the previous night.

Mr Cartwright said White was fed up with her sons coming and going with girlfriends. Everyone had had a lot to drink and White was assaulted by having her hair pulled by one son.

She was also concerned because £800 had been withdrawn without authority from her bank account while she was on remand.

"The arson was committed against a cocktail of emotional events," he said.

Judge Mott said it was obvious White had a drink problem and she had to address this while on bail at the hostel.