A WOMAN who threatened to set her neighbour’s children and house on fire and walked the streets armed with an eight-inch knife has been detained under the mental health act.

Riona Farrar hurled threats at young families as they walked to the bus stop, publicly inhaled petroleum gas and assaulted a police officer as she was arrested, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 38-year-old’s four year tirade of abuse left several parents and children in the street in Northallerton feeling “like prisoners in their own homes”.

Paul Newcombe, prosecuting, said: “She has a history of mental problems but refuses to take her medication. She is addicted to butane gas and has engaged in bizarre and threatening behaviour.

"She left her home, entered the neighbour’s drive, carrying an eight inch knife and a bottle of butane gas. She left after not receiving an answer when she knocked on the door.

"She made threats to the neighbour and their three-year-old saying ‘I am going to set fire to you’

“In April 2018 the defendant began threatening a four-year-old child. The child has since been afraid to come out of the house. She said they would set her on fire.

“Later that year, as neighbours and their children approached their house, she was naked and shouting from the upstairs window, saying that they would die.”

The court heard that Farrar’s several neighbours and their children were left anxious and too frightened to leave their homes after the incidents which spanned from August 2014 and August 2018.

Mr Newcombe added: “They feel like they are prisoners in their own homes.”

Farrar, of Potlands, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, was handed a five year restraining order and was detained under the mental health act.

Addressing Farrar, Judge Howard Crowson said: “We all know that you have been extremely unwell.

“Today for these offences, which are all potentially imprisoning, I am satisfied that you suffer from a mental disorder, likely to be schizophrenia, however this could have been made worse by the gas.”

The 38-year-old, who appeared in court via a video link at Durham Prison will be transferred to University Hospital of North Durham.