Accountant Naomi Andrews, 43, from Dartford, narrowly escaped prison after torching her fiancé’s bed — along with three priceless wedding dresses — just hours before their big day.
The Fiery Fallout
Woolwich Crown Court heard how tensions exploded on April 8, 2023, the couple’s wedding day. After a heated spat, Andrews’ fiancé left their home around 9pm, only to return half an hour later to a shocking scene.
As he attempted to leave the house again, Andrews allegedly warned, “You might want to go upstairs, the bed is on fire.”
Wedding Dresses Turned to Ashes
The 43-year-old had set fire to three wedding gowns placed on his bed, also burning the bed sheets. The incident wasn’t her first act of domestic rage either; she admitted to throwing a Christmas tree across his dining room during another bust-up in December 2023.
Judge Shows Leniency Despite Arson
Facing several domestic-related charges, Andrews was acquitted of everything except arson and criminal damage. Recorder Nigel Sangster KC condemned her “obsessive behaviour” and called the fire-setting “not normal,” especially given the potential danger if flames had spread while her fiancé wasn’t home.
“I was astonished at the way your relationship went… It culminated in this serious offence of arson,” the judge said. “No matter how high emotions run, setting fire to things is not normal behaviour.”
Though arson normally demands jail time, the judge decided to spare her custody, citing no prior convictions, low risk of reoffending, and the effect prison would have on her child.
Sentenced to Community Order
Andrews was handed a two-year community order. That includes 150 hours of unpaid work plus 20 days of rehabilitation. Recorder Sangster delivered a final stern warning:
“I hope we will never see you again in the criminal courts.”
