Jail term for gas mask arsonist

A woman who set fire to her home dressed in combat gear and a gas mask has been told it may be "many, many years" before she leaves prison.

Joanne Spencer, 47, was given an indeterminate sentence for the public protection at Leeds Crown Court.

She was ordered to serve at least three years before being eligible for parole.

The court heard how Spencer, who used to be a man, set fire to her flat in Wakefield in June after allegedly attacking an elderly woman nearby.

On Thursday, Spencer admitted arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC, was told she had a string of convictions for violence since 1982 which she had been jailed for.

There is a serious risk to the public of serious harm Judge Peter Collier QC, Recorder of Leeds

He said he was taking into account a psychiatric report which said Spencer had a personality disorder and a "significant problem with anger".

The judge said he had no choice but to give her an indeterminate sentence for public protection.

"There is a serious risk to the public of serious harm," Judge Collier said.

He said she was effectively being given a life sentence and her release "may well be many, many years hence".

The court heard that when police arrived at her home on the day of the fire Spencer, who was wearing camouflage clothing and a gas mask, refused to come out.

Officers said she told them she was wearing the gas mask because she wanted to die in the flames rather than from the fumes. She was eventually dragged from the building.

The court also heard about a second incident in July in which Spencer threatened to kill a taxi driver and racially abused him while brandishing a large hunting knife.

The cabbie was left terrified and police had to use an electronic stun gun to subdue Spencer and arrest her.