Ref. 25750-3A TEENAGER who was sentenced to life after setting fire to her flat only to be freed again months later, has criticised the justice system.

Claire Carter, 19, walked free from prison after the Criminal Appeal Court placed her on a three year community rehabilitation order with the condition she undergo psychiatric treatment.

But Claire, who was jailed at Swindon Crown Court in January, says she should never have gone to prison in the first place.

"I was quite shocked when I heard the sentence," she said.

"The judge didn't have to give me a life sentence especially as it was my first offence. I did get done for theft but I had been out of trouble for five years.

"I couldn't believe it when they said I had to do life. I tried to kill myself in prison.

"I admit what I did was wrong but I just want to put all that behind me and get on with my life.

She said she was overwhelmed when the appeal court judge said she did not have to go back to jail.

"All I could say was thank-you very much," she said.

The teenager set fire to her flat at Baileys Farm Gardens in Park North last August, which is a warden controlled hostel for young people. Other flats were occupied at the time.

Claire had broken up with her boyfriend and said she was depressed.

She had barricaded herself in her room with the intention of taking her life after drinking a large amount of vodka.

Claire believes her time prison in Essex has really turned her life around. During her time inside, she enrolled on a Business NVQ and a GCSE in English and wants to continue her education.

Claire added: "I went in with other lifers and I was around murderers. I was really scared.

"I really grew up in prison. It made me realise that I took my life for granted and I wanted to stop harming myself.

"I know I have the rest of my life to live.

"I just don't want people to think I'm bad. I don't want people to see me in the street and think I am a nutter."

She also wants her experience to be a lesson to others.

"No matter how hard it must be for anybody just to talk to someone, don't bottle it up," she said.

"If anybody is feeling suicidal to get help and talk to someone."

She has to see her probation officer once a week as well as undergoing counselling and psychiatric treatment.