Caroline Travers (52) testified in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on January 20, describing the events leading up to a 2022 house fire in Birchleigh that resulted in the death of her husband, Gregory Travers.

Travers is charged with arson and attempted murder following the March 12, 2022 fire at their Essenwood Avenue home. Gregory was rescued from the blaze but later died in hospital.

Taking the stand, Travers admitted starting a fire in a roasting pan outside Gregory’s locked bedroom door, saying she did so to force him to let the dogs out after an argument related to rehabilitation and substance abuse.

Also read: Court hears details of 2022 Birchleigh house fire as trial unfolds

She testified that both she and Gregory had been drinking alcohol and abusing sleeping tablets and that they were sleeping in separate bedrooms at the time.

She said Gregory locked himself in his room with the dogs, something she claimed he had never done before.

Travers told the court she threatened to light the fire to make him angry and later ignited it, believing it was contained and under control. She said the situation escalated after she was pushed, lost consciousness, and the fire spread.

Also read: Birchleigh woman accused of setting house on fire back in court

She denied intending to harm anyone and said she believed Gregory was not in danger and had gone outside to fight the fire with a hose.

Travers admitted starting the fire but said she never intended for it to get out of control. The matter was postponed to January 26 for the defence closing argument.