A 19-year-old woman is on trial for allegedly starting a fire at a grandmother's home in a targeted attack linked to a drug debt, a court has heard. Storm Truman, from Weston-super-Mare, denies arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered after the blaze destroyed a terraced house in Ferndale, Rhondda Valley, on July 28 last year.
Prosecutor Marian Lewis told Cardiff Crown Court that the fire was deliberate and carried out in the early hours when someone was likely asleep inside. The occupant, 82-year-old Carol Ford, had lived in the property for 61 years and lost all her possessions. She had poor mobility and had been sleeping downstairs.
The court heard that Ms Ford's grandson, Gavin Ford, owed a significant drug debt to an organised crime group. The group travelled from Weston-super-Mare seeking retribution, and threats were made to the grandson's mother days before the fire.
The prosecution alleges that Truman was one of two drivers who transported three men to the scene. Alfie Wheeler, Auryn Gustur, and Connor Pitt have pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, while Lewis Manito admitted arson being reckless and perverting the course of justice.
Ms Lewis stated that the incident could not have happened without Truman, as she drove two of the men to the location. The trial continues.
