A charity manager set fire to her Blue Cross shop and refused to exit as the flames took hold.
Rachel Thomas locked herself in the building in Fore Street, Trowbridge, as locals attempted to stop the blaze on the evening of 10 February.
The 41-year-old phoned 999 and told the police what she had done. Members of the public could be heard in the background of the call shouting at her to get out of the shop.
Before police arrived, three members of the public bravely forced entry into the store, removing items that were on fire in order to prevent it from spreading further.
They also managed to get Thomas out of the building.
When officers arrived, they detained the defendant, who was continually abusive towards them. She then proceeded to assault a female police officer – causing an injury to her foot.
Thomas later pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered and assault on an emergency worker.
At Winchester Crown Court on September 26, she was given a three-month prison sentence suspended for one year.
She must also comply with a community order and pay a £154 surcharge.
Detective Inspector Tom Straker of The Central CID said: “Thomas put the lives of those living above the shop and those working or socialising in the vicinity at risk by setting fire to the shop.
“She also caused significant damage and disruption to the business – a charity shop which raises money for animals in need.
“When she was arrested, Thomas was verbally abusive towards our Officers before stamping on an Officer’s foot as she continued to act in a volatile and disrespectful manner.
“This is completely unacceptable behaviour towards a police officer who was simply carrying out her duties to protect members of the public.
“I’d like to praise the members of the public who were in the area at the time – it is thanks to their quick thinking and bravery that nobody was seriously injured, or worse killed, as a result of her selfish and mindless actions.”
