Benefits twist to £30k blaze

A DRUNKEN disabled woman caused £30,000 worth of damage when she set fire to a benefits claim form in a fit of anger.

Ann Moriarty, 53 – who had been drinking most of the day – added a candle and some oil to the fire before leaving the flat in Loganlea Drive, Edinburgh, on 16 October last year.

The fire burned through the floor and into the flat below, leaving Edinburgh City Council with a 30,000 repair bill.

Fiscal Melanie Ward told Edinburgh Sheriff Court: "Apparently she was angry at having to fill in forms."

Moriarty, now of Craigentinny Road, admitted her guilt and faces sentence next month.