SALEM, Ore. -- A 90-year-old woman spoke in court Wednesday against the early release of a man who was found guilty of setting her home on fire.

Jerry Nicholson was eligible for early release under House Bill 3508, which gives prisoners with good behavior the chance to have their sentences reduced by 30 percent.

The bill was passed last session and is designed to save the state money, but Cleathal Knox said it puts her in danger.

"Mr. Nicholson tried to burn my house down twice in one year while I was sleeping," Knox said in court. "I am now in fear again of his release and, ultimately, if he would try to burn my house down again."

Over a speaker phone from prison, Nicholson said being released three months early wouldn't put anyone at risk.

"Me, myself -- I don't think I'd be a threat to society if I got out early," he said.

Marion County Judge Susan Tripp disagreed.

"I believe there is a risk to the community to additionally reduce his sentence," Tripp said.

Nicholson will now be released in September 2010 but Knox said she's worried about that, too. She said she hopes lawmakers reconsider House Bill 3508.

"I think it's terrible. I don't think it's for real. Some of these people are back in jail in a few weeks, so I don't think it's necessary," Knox said.

Last week, there was another House Bill 3508 hearing in Multnomah County for the man who killed jogger McDaniel-Powell in a 2006 hit-and-run.

In that case, the judge also denied the inmate early release.

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Woman, 90, Fights Early Release Of Arsonist