A 62-year-old Newport woman who set fire to a stranger’s car in Freshwater, with the blaze then spreading to a neighbouring property, is to be sentenced next year.
Susan Lupton, of Dairy Crest Drive in Newport – more commonly known as Sue, a former local journalist – admitted 2 counts of arson when she appeared before a judge at the Isle of Wight Crown Court earlier this week (Monday 11th November).
The court heard how on 20th June this year, at The Square in Freshwater Bay, Lupton caused damage to a Land Rover Freelander 2 belonging to one person and a window, toolbox, guttering, cooker extractor and a Japanese Maple Tree belonging to another.
All of the property was damaged beyond repair with the 4×4 completely gutted by the fire. Island Echo understands that the vehicle owner has been left around £18,000 out of pocket.
Defending Lupton, Jonathan Underhill told the court that the creation of a pre-sentence report would be helpful when sentencing the 62-year-old as a result of Lupton’s significant medical history.
The case has been adjourned until 14th February 2025 when Lupton will appear before a judge for sentencing.
Whatever medical history it does not give a person
the right to carry out such an act.
Needs locking up for the safety of everyone, and for
the safety of themself.
She should be made to buy the owner a new car at the very least.