A woman suffering from psychopathic and severe mental impairment set her house on fire, a court heard.

Pauline Reader, 50, of Malvern Close, Downley, admitted setting her house ablaze on August 21 but denied committing arson with intent to endanger life when she appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court on Monday, December 16.

Mrs Reader is to be assessed under Section 38 of the Mental Health Act before she is sentenced.

She will be detained in a secure hospital for up to 12 weeks for further analysis while the case is adjourned after a not guilty verdict was entered by Judge Christopher Tyrer over the charge alleging she committed arson with intent to endanger life.

Judge Tyrer said: "You have pleaded guilty to arson in your home and being reckless as to whether or not life was endangered.

"It is plain you have a number of issues that you need assistance in addressing and I have received a number of reports which indicate the proper way forward is for there to be a longer and more careful assessment of precisely what is best for you."

Jonathan Coode, mitigating, said Mrs Reader had considerable mental problems in the past and currently had psychopathic and severe mental impairment, according to doctors who assessed her.

Mrs Reader has been placed on remand at Holloway Prison, north London, until a hospital bed can be found.

Judge Tyrer said: "I am also satisfied that what is best for your treatment is also in the public interest and I also have to have regard for the safety of the public and the circumstances such as you have caused."