Rebecca Jenkins, 29, from Swansea, admitted the manslaughter of Mark Carpenter, who was overcome by smoke
A heroin user with personality disorder who burned down her father’s flat, killing his partially-sighted lodger, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Rebecca Jenkins admitted the manslaughter of “timid” lodger Mark Carpenter, who was overcome by smoke when she set fire to the flat in Ynysybwl in Pontypridd .
In a letter written to Judge Eleri Rees that was read out at Cardiff Crown Court, she said: “I never meant for this to happen.
“I have taken someone’s life and I have got to live with that. I am deeply sorry for what I have done.”
The court heard the offence took place in May 2014, while she was pregnant. She has since had her baby in custody.
The 29-year-old, from Heol Gwyrosydd in Swansea , was staying with her father Brian Groves when the incident occurred.
Threats made
The judge said her behaviour was “agitated” and “aggressive” as she argued with her father throughout the morning, before making a series of threats, including “I’ll burn the place”.
Rebecca Jenkins appeared at Cardiff Crown to admit the manslaughter of Mark Carpenter in Ynysybwl
In a witness statement, her mother described her behaviour as “frantic” and “hysterical” and said she believed she was suffering withdrawal from heroin.
The court heard she threatened to burn her father’s clothes, before lighting a fire which quickly spread to the sofa.
In a phone conversation with her mother, she said: “Mark is in there. I did not think it would go up as quickly as it did.”
A fire fighter described the blaze as “severe” and noted there were six flats in the building.
Mr Carpenter, 46, was brought out of the building just before 9pm, but never regained consciousness. Jenkins was arrested and did not answer questions from officers.
'All I wanted was his love'
In a victim impact statement, her father said he had lost his best friend and his flat was destroyed, meaning he had to live in hostels. Other residents also had to move out temporarily.
According to psychological reports, she has since been aggressive to staff and patients in hospital and poses a “high risk of serious harm” to herself and others.
The reports also stated that she suffered abuse as a child and is affected by personality disorder.
In her letter to the judge, she said: “All I wanted was his (my dad’s) support and love.
“I was under the influence of drugs – that was my only coping strategy.
“I am in hospital now, trying hard to better my life and that of my children by doing therapy, which has changed my life already. Whatever happens today, it is the beginning of my new life.”
'Personality disorder a factor'
Judge Rees said: “While your complex personality disorder was a contributing factor, it far from extinguishes your responsibility for the death of Mark Carpenter.”
Jenkins was given an indeterminate sentence for public protection, with a minimum term of four years, minus the 324 days she has already spent in custody.
She will be detained in hospital until she has finished her treatment and then be transferred to prison.
She also received a four-month concurrent sentence for possession with intent to supply diazepam.
For full story see - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/i-taken-someones-life-live-10362686
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