A 22-YEAR-OLD woman has pleaded guilty to an arson attack on a primary school.
Kymberley Charlotte Rowbotham, of Owen Court, Clayton-le-Moors, appeared at Burnley Crown Court today charged with two counts of arson.
The court was told that on August 5, 2013, Rowbotham set fire to a recycling bin at All Saints CofE Primary School in Clayton-le-Moors, as well as causing damage to the Church Street school by fire.
Defending, Mark Ford said the defendant had ‘a number of problems’ and that tests were being done to determine whether she had Asperger syndrome and depression.
He added that his client had always indicated to him that she wanted to admit the charges.
Mr Ford said: “She made it perfectly clear to me that, irrespective of the strength of the evidence against her, she wished to plead guilty in any event.
“I am really rather anxious to place those matters on record.”
Judge Jonathan Gibson adjourned sentencing until February 3, when Rowbotham will appear before Preston Crown Court.
He told the defendant: “First of all, having pleaded guilty, you will of course receive proper credit.
“I will take into account both the stage at which the pleas have been entered and those matters which have been mentioned in court.”
Before Rowbotham is sentenced, a psychiatric report, a psychological report and a pre-sentence report from the probation service will be prepared.
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