Woman Caught on CCTV Setting House Fire to Face Jail This Christmas
Chloe Shotton will spend Christmas behind bars after she was caught on CCTV pushing a burning rag through a letterbox, sparking a terrifying blaze.
Blaze Ignited in North Shields Home
Emergency crews were called to a North Shields address in the early hours of July 31 after a homeowner was woken by blaring fire alarms and thick smoke filling the hallway.
Caught Red-Handed on CCTV
Officers quickly launched an investigation, aided by the victim’s CCTV which captured the culprit in the act. Shotton, 23, from Hartside Crescent, Backworth, was identified and arrested for arson just 11 minutes after the 999 call.
Sentenced for Life-Endangering Arson
Shotton was charged the same day and remanded in custody. On December 22, Newcastle Crown Court sentenced her to three-and-a-half years in prison after she admitted to arson with intent to endanger life.
She also faces a lifetime restraining order banning any contact with her victim.
Police Praise Swift Justice
Detective Constable Callum Dixon said: “The excellent footage provided by the victim irrefutably proved Shotton’s guilt, allowing officers to arrest her within minutes of the call. Her reckless act could have caused multiple deaths.”
“Shotton put the lives of those inside the property – including a child – and neighbours at serious risk. I am pleased the court recognised the gravity of her actions with this custodial sentence.”
“I thank the victim for staying calm during a frightening ordeal and for promptly providing CCTV, which helped us bring Shotton to justice quickly.”
