A WHEDDON Cross woman who breached the conditions of a court sentence imposed for arson has been sent to prison for 76 weeks.

But 37-year-old Grace Coles, who twice set fire to 12th century St John's Church in Cutcombe, causing £150,000 of damage, was told she would only serve half and that the time spent on remand since the end of August would also be taken from the prison term.

Coles pleaded guilty to arson last year after starting the first blaze by setting fire to the visitors book - she had been disturbed by comments written in it.

The second, more serious fire was sparked by starting a bonfire which took hold in a pew and badly damaged the ancient listed building.

The damage was covered by insurance, apart from a £2,000 excess, and Taunton Crown Court was told this week that the church community had kept the building open from dawn to dusk for people to visit and worship.

Coles then breached a suspended order by twice making hoax telephone calls to the emergency services, which resulted in a deferred sentence being passed in May.

But the court was told by Janice Eagles, prosecuting, that Coles failed to keep an appointment with a psychiatrist and comply with mental health treatment.

Presenting two psychiatric reports and a pre-sentence report from a probation officer, Emma Martin, defending, said it was a tragic situation but Coles had made good progress and could be released back into the community.

She was in grave danger of being institutionalised and prison would not address her difficulties, which were entrenched and difficult to manage.

Ms Martin said professional helpers involved in Coles' care were still willing to work with her but she found it difficult to trust people to "open up" on her problems.

"If her brother is on the scene, it's very difficult to keep her away from alcohol and all the offences related to alcohol," she added.

Judge Richard Bromilow said there was a long history and it was very sad.

He said he realised there was a lot of sadness in the background to Coles' case, which might explain some of her actions but these could not be allowed.

"The arson was a very serious offence and caused a huge amount of damage and led to repercussions in that community."

The judge told Coles: "I am quite satisfied that the custody threshold has been passed in your case.

"It's a sad situation when a woman of your age has to go to prison."