Prosecutors believe Felicity Meloury was angry and frustrated after being told to leave the Warrina Motor Inn on High Street and not return.

She had been high on drugs on August 30 last year, was talking to herself, and pulled out plants at the property.

She wasn't a paying guest and was ordered to stay away, and warned she would be trespassing if she returned.

Meloury did come back about six hours later and knocked items off the reception desk and resisted police as they arrested her.

The 36-year-old was later bailed from the Wodonga police station before heading back to the motel in the early hours of the morning and setting the room alight.

Others guests smelt smoke and alerted the fire brigade.

The arson caused $66,392 worth of damage.

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Her lawyer told the Wodonga Magistrate's Court she was unable to explain why she had torched the room.

But prosecutor Carmela Pezzimenti said she was "venting her anger and frustration".

"She was angry and she was frustrated," she said.

"It was a direct action against the motel.

Ms Pezzimenti said the offence was aggravated by the fact others were in adjoining rooms, and it was fortunate someone had detected the fire and raised the alarm.

Meloury has a range of priors, but nothing as serious as the fire.

She was homeless at the time and there were concerns about where she would stay if released.

Magistrate David Faram said the time she had spent in custody had been long enough.

He said he was considering placing Meloury on an 18-month corrections order with treatment when the matter returned for sentencing on May 18.

"This is a woman that clearly needs help to address drug issues and of course mental health issues that might have been identified to date," the magistrate said.

The court heard the 36-year-old had borderline personality disorder, but it was unclear what role this played in her offending.

Meloury was released on bail ahead of being sentenced.

Co-accused Trinity Carter is contesting his charges and will return to court on June 23.

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