A Whitehaven woman who acted ‘recklessly and endangered others’ has been jailed for committing arson.

Catherine McCreadie has been sentenced today, June 20, at Carlisle Crown Court to six years after deliberately setting fire to her caravan.

The 59-year-old, of Esk Avenue, Whitehaven was charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered, fraud by false representation and perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that at approximately 4am on 14 September 2020 residents of the caravan park in Lamplugh woke to discover a caravan on fire.

Residents worked to tackle the blaze and removed gas bottles from nearby caravans before Cumbria Fire and Rescue attended and extinguished the fire.

An hour later police were contacted by Cumbria Fire and Rescue regarding concerns the fire was deliberately started.

Officers identified the caravan belonged to McCreadie and a statement was taken.

McCreadie claimed at the time of the fire she was in the north East, investigations found this not to be true. Officer conducted vehicle and mobile phone enquiries with data retrieved putting McCreadie in the area at the time of the fire.

In October 2020, McCreadie made insurance claims in relation to the caravan fire, insuring the caravan for £20,000 and contents for £8,000, when in a statement to police she stated she paid around £15,000 to £17,500 for the caravan.

Police Constable Emily Tyson said “McCreadie put others at risk when she deliberately set fire to her caravan.

“Luckily, no one was injured during the incident which was in close proximity to other caravans and gas bottles.

“We take arson offences extremely seriously which can easily become out of control, McCreadie also made a fraudulent claim on her insurance of the caravan.”

Sergeant Mike Hird said “I would like to the take the time to thank all those who have worked on this case, Including the investigating officer, PC Tyson, for her due diligence and persistence in investigating these matters.

“I hope this sets a clear example for those who choose to act so recklessly and endanger others.

“I am grateful for the support of all the witnesses who have played their part in ensuring justice could be delivered in this case.”