THIS is the shocking moment a former nurse lobbed matches at her neighbours’ home in a “revenge” arson attack.
A doorbell camera captured Magdaline Wangeci tossing burning matches at the house as the family peacefully slept inside.
A former nurse throws lit matches at the front door of her neighbours home as the family slept insideCredit: Cover Images
The court heard it was a ‘revenge’ attackCredit: Cover Images
Magdaline Wangeci leaving court after she was sentenced for attempted arsonCredit: Cover Images
Kent Online reports the 49-year-old targeted Jennifer Young’s home after “antagonistic behaviour” between the feuding women.
Footage shows Wangeci approaching the home wearing a dressing gown and lighting three matches that she flicks at the property.
She then is seen casually walking off back to her home after a sensor light appears to turn on.
Heavy rain meant the matches landed on a soaking wet doormat and failed to ignite in her attack in Ashford, , back in October, Folkestone Magistrates’ Court heard.
Wangeci was later arrested and charged with attempted arson.
She admitted the offence when she first appeared in court.
Prosecutor Neil Sweeney told magistrates: “She lit three matches and threw them towards the front door.
“Ms Young and her family were asleep in the home.
“The matches landed on the doormat, which was soaking wet [because it had rained], and the fire was avoided.
“It was caught on Ring doorbell footage.”
Sweeney told the court that Wangeci and Ms Young had been feuding.
He explained: “There had been a build-up – there was some antagonistic behaviour between the parties in the run-up to this incident.
“It was a revenge attack. She went there with matches with the intent to light them, and lit three matches.
“There could have been catastrophic damage and risk of injury to those individuals (inside the home).”
The court heard Wangeci had no previous convictions.
The prosecution applied for a restraining order to prevent her from contacting next-door neighbour Ms Young or going near her home.
A probation officer told the court Wangeci suffers from mental issues, including bipolar disorder, for which she is medicated.
She said that during periods when her deteriorates, Wangeci has previously been admitted to St Martin’s Hospital for 28 days.
Defending, Nigel Numas said his client was hoping to travel abroad for surgery.
“She would like to go, but that depends on her sentence.
“If she doesn’t have the operation, she will end up in a wheelchair,” he said.
Magistrates were told Wangeci previously worked as a nurse and has about £30,000 of debt.
The chairman of the bench said attempted arson is a serious offence that carries a potential sentence.
However, due to her previous good character and early guilty plea, the court decided the term could be suspended.
Wangeci was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
A five-year restraining order was imposed banning her from contacting Ms Young or going near her home.
She was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs.
Doorbell footage captures Wangeci lighting and throwing matches at the homeCredit: Cover Images
Wangeci was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 monthsCredit: Cover Images
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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