A WOMAN who doused a bed in petrol and set it alight while her former lesbian lover lay naked with a new girlfriend has been jailed for five-and-a-half years.

Sarah Metcalfe, 47, of no fixed abode, discovered her former girlfriend, Katie Wrigglesworth, in bed with Emma Shakesheff in a caravan she owned at Goldsbrough Mill Farm, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

The court heard how Metcalfe set fire to the bedroom in a desperate attempt to stop her former lover and Miss Shakesheff having sex on July 20 last year.

Metcalfe was jailed yesterday by Leeds Crown Court after she earlier admitted a charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

She was also jailed for three years for two counts of grievous bodily harm, to run alongside the longer sentence.

Sentencing Metcalfe, Mr Justice Royce said: "The injuries suffered by these young ladies were dreadful. The photographs are shocking.

"They were both very lucky to survive. They both had a long and painful time in hospital.

"Not only did they have to endure serious discomfort and pain, their lives have been badly blighted.

"They are dreadfully scarred, physically as well as psychologically."

He said he accepted that Metcalfe had demonstrated remorse at an early stage and had admitted guilt.

He said: "You must recognise, however, that these offences were extremely serious and that a custodial sentence is inevitable."

At last month's trial, the court heard the victims were initially trapped in the blaze, but escaped through a window.

Ms Wrigglesworth, 26, suffered 40 per cent burns to her arms, legs and body and was in hospital for ten weeks.

Ms Shakesheff, 32, sustained extensive second-degree burns to almost half her body and spent six weeks in hospital.

Metcalfe had pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, but insisted it was an accident.

Mr Justice Royce discharged jurors at the end of last month's trial after they failed to reach a verdict on two counts of grievous bodily harm with intent after more than five hours of deliberations. Metcalfe then pleaded guilty to an alternative charge of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.

A statement released outside court by police said: "Emma and Katie would just like to say they are happy the trial has now come to a conclusion and would like to get on with their lives."

The victims, who were in court, are still recovering from their injuries.