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.
Woolwich Crown Court heard how tensions exploded on April 8, 2023, the couple’s wedding day. Following a heated argument, 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.”
The 43-year-old had set fire to three wedding gowns placed on his bed, also burning the bed sheets.
This incident was not her first act of domestic rage; she admitted to throwing a Christmas tree across his dining room during another dispute in December 2023.
Facing several domestic-related charges, Andrews was acquitted of everything except arson and criminal damage.
Recorder Nigel Sangster KC condemned her “obsessive behaviour” and described the fire-setting as “not normal,” especially given the potential danger if the flames had spread while her fiancé was not 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.”
Although arson normally carries a prison sentence, the judge decided to spare her custody, citing her lack of prior convictions, low risk of reoffending, and the impact imprisonment would have on her child.
Andrews was sentenced to a two-year community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation.
Recorder Sangster delivered a final stern warning: “I hope we will never see you again in the criminal courts.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
