A “dangerous” woman has been jailed for six years after causing an explosion at her ex-partners flat and lighting her own on fire.
The two separate incidents “could have killed someone” according to Northamptonshire Police.
Marie Talbot, 39, was caught on video lighting a can of deodorant and attempting to push it through her ex’s letterbox at a flat in Drapery, Northampton on June 18th 2023.
She left the flammable gas bottle outside his front door, before running away with her hood up.
She left the flammable gas bottle outside her ex-boyfriend’s front door
Northamptonshire Police
She left the flammable gas bottle outside his front door, before running away with her hood up.
CCTV footage shows a huge explosion in the corridor blowing down doors, cracking windows and causing structural damage, as well as burning the carpet.
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Marie Talbot, 39, was caught on video lighting a can of deodorant
Northamptonshire Police
In the video, Talbot can be seen wearing a cream hoodie and backpack as she lights the can. Soon after she leaves a fire alarm sets off just moments before a big bang and flash.
Luckily the man was not at home at the time and no one was injured.
Talbot was arrested by police shortly after the incident and charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
Only months earlier she set fire to her own Shelley Street flat in Kingsley, Northampton.
Fire crews found the writing “This flat can burn in hell” when they were called to the home on December 21st 2022. The fire-starter was subsequently charged with arson.
Talbot pleaded guilty to both offences at Northamptonshire Crown Court in September last year, but was sentenced to six years in prison this week (January 16).
Detective Constable Roisin Harrison said: “Lauren Talbot’s offending was exceptionally dangerous. She could have killed someone as a result of both offences and it’s through sheer luck that no one was injured.”
“It could very easily have ended with a large fire throughout the block of flats, causing untold damage, and I hope this is something she reflects on during her time in prison.