A 35-year-old woman pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Samantha Downton, of Spring Street, Stockbridge, will be sentenced on November 1. The offence took place on June 5 when a house was damaged by fire, the court was told on Friday.

Downton’s solicitor Michael Reeves said she had emotional issues and problems with alcohol. She was attending a well-woman clinic while on bail.

Judge Jonathan Rose told Downton: “You have very sensibly entered a guilty plea today.” He ordered a report from the probation service to look at her emotional state and see if there is a way forward that offers her help and support.

Judge Rose said the report must also look at whether Downton posed any future risk to the public.