AN arsonist who started a fire in the porch of her first floor maisonette after she “hit rock bottom” and wanted to kill herself has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Amber Walker set light to a shoe and coat rack in the ground floor porch and was found on the ground outside after throwing herself out of a window of her maisonette, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

The fire didn’t spread from the porch but caused £1,200 of heat and smoke damage to Walker’s maisonette, said Benedict Peers, prosecuting.

Walker, 41, of De Vere Road, Earls Colne, admitted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered and common assault.

She was given an 18 month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 12 month alcohol treatment programme, a 40 day rehabilitation activity and a residence requirement.

Sentencing her Judge Nicola TalbotHadley accepted Walker’s mental health had been at “rock bottom” but said the fire she started could have taken hold with serious consequences.

Mr Peers said that on May 1 Walker had a row with her partner at her address in De Vere Road, Earls Colne, and had kicked and punched him after he said he was leaving.

The court heard that Walker had mental health issues and had planned to kill herself.