A 91-YEAR-OLD man was attacked in his home by a drink and drug-crazed woman who had just set fire to his flat.

Blackburn magistrates heard how Edwin Cramp felt ‘totally helpless’ because of his mobility problems as Gina Kathy King punched him repeatedly in the face and head as smoke came from his kitchen and the coffee table burned.

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The court was told the fire alarm went off in the sheltered housing flat, alerting the duty manager.

“If it hadn’t been for the fire alarm the situation could have been a lot worse,” said Enza Geldard, prosecuting.

King, 46, of Edgar Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assaulting Edwin Cramp and arson at his flat in Stopford Court, Clayton-le-Moors.

She was sent in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on March 10.

Mrs Geldard said Mr Cramp told police he had known King for some time and every Monday when he went to collect his pension she would meet him at the bank.

“She helps him with chores and he gives her money,” said Mrs Geldard. “On Wednesday he woke up at 10am and she was at his flat.

“She was drinking gin and wine and he believes she also took drugs.

“He says she appeared to have lost control of herself and was struggling to talk properly.”

Late at night, he court heard King was trying to light some newspaper from the gas hob in the kitchen and then using the newspaper to try and ignite gas from her cigarette lighter.

“She dropped the lit newspaper onto a pile of newspapers and magazines which caught fire and set the coffee table alight,” said Mrs Geldard.

“He was worried because he struggles with his mobility and getting up from his chair can take some time.

“The coffee table was on fire and there was smoke coming from the kitchen.”

Mrs Geldard said King suddenly stood over Mr Cramp and started hitting him in the face and on the head.

“He said it was a vicious attack which ended as abruptly as it had started,” said Mrs Geldard.

“Mr Cramp says she did not make any effort to put out the fires and it was if she didn’t realise they were on fire.”

Damian Pickup, defending, said he accepted because of the significant impact on the victim and his age that the matter should go to the crown court.

“She wants me to convey her sincere and deepest apologies,” said Mr Pickup.

He added King said she and Mr Cramp were friends who help and depend on each other.

“She helps him with chores around the house and in return he gives her a little bit of money, some of which goes on alcohol and drugs,” said Mr Pickup.

“She accepts on this occasion she had consumed far too much alcohol and she had taken drugs and she has only a hazy recollection of what happened.

“The starting of the fire was not deliberate but reckless.

“She had lost control and didn’t know what she was doing,” said Mr Pickup. “She doesn’t remember the assault but is appalled by her behaviour.”