TWO neighbours were praised for their brave response as a mentally ill woman caused £25,000 fire damage to a Carlisle flat.

Video footage captured Stephanie Johnston’s “erratic and unusual behaviour” before an incident on February 20 in her top floor residence at Willowbank apartments.

Earlier that day, neighbour Stephen Redman raised concerns about the 27-year-old with her landlord before going to work.

He later returned and, hearing Johnston “screaming”, contacted police. While making the call, an alarm activated and he told the operator firefighters were needed.

“He then set about evacuating the building,” prosecutor Tim Evans told Carlisle Crown Court. “He banged on all the doors and was able to get the residents out. Another neighbour retrieved a fire extinguisher and they tried to get into the flat. The defendant would not let them in, nor would she leave.”

Firefighters used a sledgehammer to force entry. “They discovered a developed fire in the living room area while the defendant sat in the kitchen watching,” said Mr Evans.

“If left to develop the full room would have been consumed by fire but the construction of the flat would ensure that it would be contained within until the fire door failed.”

It emerged Johnston was suffering from mental health difficulties at the time. The court heard £25,000 damage had been caused.

Johnston initially denied responsibility, but later admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Clare Thomas, defending, said Johnston had served the equivalent of a year’s jail term on remand, was now stable on medication and needed “structured treatment in the community”.

Addressing the court directly, Johnston said: “I just want to say how sorry I am. If I was to be released to get the help I needed I think that would be the best way.”

Recorder Christopher Hudson suspended an 18-month jail term for two years, and imposed rehabilitation and unpaid work.

“I do think that the court should recognise the efforts of Mr Redman and the unidentified neighbour,” he said. “It took a lot of courage to do what they did. It would seem they put their safety in danger.”