THE mum of a woman accused of trying to kill her sister in a fire broke down in tears after being confronted with “overwhelming” evidence.

Cathy Bartlett, 30, pictured top, is alleged to have stolen £100,000 from her sister Rachael before attempting to kill her in a blaze at their mother Frances’ house in Bartley.

The fire began on the night of April 7 while Bartlett, Rachael and Frances were at home.

Bartlett and her mum were able to climbe through a window to escape but Rachael was asleep on the top floor and was forced to hurl herself on to the roof before rolling and falling on to the patio below.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Frances Bartlett told the jury at Winchester Crown Court that there was an “almighty crunch” as Rachael hit the ground after falling off the roof.

Prosecutor Charlie Gabb led Frances Bartlett through a lengthy list of lies Bartlett admitted telling, including pleading guilty to stealing £43,000 from her dad Michael Bartlett.

He explained forensic evidence revealed that a box of matches found in the kitchen and a smoke alarm in the ceiling both had Bartlett’s fingerprints on.

Her DNA was also found on a nine-volt battery in a drawer in the kitchen which was subsequently discovered to be the only nine-volt battery in the house.

Frances Bartlett refused to answer when asked by Mr Gabb if she had been asked to give specific evidence by Bartlett.

Mr Gabb said: “Is that because you think you would be being disloyal to Cathy if you told the truth?”

Frances Bartlett said: “Some of those conversations were stupid.”

Mr Gabb said: “Why are they stupid? They took place. Is it because the penny is now dropping with you and the more I show you, the more overwhelming it becomes?”

She replied: “I will keep my thoughts to myself.”

Later Mr Gabb asked: “Doesn’t Rachael deserve justice as much as Cathy? Is Rachael the victim?” 

Frances Bartlett replied: “She is.”

Bartlett and Rachael’s father Michael Bartlett admitted he was upset when he found discovered Bartlett had stolen £43,000 from himhis bank account.

She spent thousands of pounds lavishing her friends and lover with gifts, including trips to St Mary’s and stays at the Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton, the court heard. He admitted that he had refused to prosecute his daughter, but she dramatically pleaded guilty to theft after admitting the crime while giving evidence.

CCTV was shown to the jury of which recorded the moment Bartlett buying bought 4.71 litres of petrol from a Texaco station in Ower.

She insisted thatshe told Michael Bartlett during a conversation in Weymouth that the petrol was to cut his lawn, but he could not remember this aspect of the conversation.

Regarding Bartlett creating fake business personas and allegedly defrauding Rachael, Mr Bartlett said: “It’s not right. I think she was doing it to please Rachael. She hadn’t done anything for financial gain.”

When asked about Bartlett forging his signature on a cheque, he said: “I was angry but I let it go.”

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

Proceeding.