A WOMAN accused of trying to murder her sister in a house fire has admitted she stole thousands of pounds from her dad.

Cathy Bartlett, 30, is accused of starting a blaze intending to kill her sister Rachael at their mother's house.

Winchester Crown Court heard that the plot was an attempt to stop Rachael finding out that Cathy Bartlett had stolen £100,000 through her position as finance manager at Rachael's company.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Rachael Bartlett admitted that she had lied to lover Julian Lane about her ability to get cheap alcohol and electrical items in an attempt to impress him and get attention.

The court heard that she lavished gifts on him and spent thousands of pounds on tickets for Saints games and rugby matches.

Taking the stand in her defence, Cathy Bartlett admitted that she had stolen thousands of pounds from her dad but denied taking anything from Rachael.

She said: "I stole money from my dad to pay for things. I did it to impress my friends.

Andrew Houston, representing Bartlett, asked: "We can see that you purchased tickets for Southampton versus Everton for just over £6,100.

"How are you paying for Southampton tickets."

She replied: "My dad's money."

The jury was read a lengthy list of transactions from Rachael Bartlett's account worth thousands of pounds.

There were also a number of items paid for by cheque. Cathy Bartlett admitted she wrote the cheques but insisted they were signed by Rachael.

Mr Houston said: "How did it come about that she would sign the cheque that you wrote?"

Cathy Bartlett said: "She would sign every cheque I wrote."

Bartlett denies attempted murder, arson with intent to endanger life, and ten counts of fraud.

Proceeding.