A SON saved his mother from a burning house after she allegedly started a fire in a bid to end her own life, a court was told.

Fae Woodward, 50, is accused of committing arson at her council home in Wilson Marriage Road, Colchester.

It is alleged the mother-of-two started a blaze inside the house, which is owned by Colchester Borough Homes, causing £25,000 worth of damage.

Woodward’s 24-year-old son arrived at the home soon after the fire took hold, battling through thick smoke to rush to the aid of his mother.

Woodward appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday but did not enter a plea.

Kathy Wilson, prosecuting, said it was alleged Woodward set fire to the property back last December.

She added: “The 24-year-old went into the property.

“He opened the door, which was unlocked, and was immediately met by a large plume of smoke.

“He went into the lounge and saw his mother sat on one of the sofas.

“Opposite her was a sofa which was alight with six-foot flames coming out.

“The defendant, on being approached by her son, said she had ‘had enough.’ “He then dragged his mother out of the property and called the fire brigade.”

She added: “Neighbours were in their properties at the time and they came round upon an alarm being raised.

“The defendant did make a number of comments to the officer who arrived on the scene. She indicated that her intention had been to end her own life.

“This was a council house and there was £25,000 worth of damage.”

Woodward was released on bail until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on September 12.