One of the last active members of the Freedomite sect, [Mary Braun] was convicted Aug. 30 of setting fire to the Crescent Valley community college earlier that month. Her trial date was speeded up because of her history of starving herself.

She went 22 days without food in 1993 while she and fellow Freedomite Tina Jmaeff were serving time for arson. Jmaeff went 55 days without food, leaving her in critical condition dependent on oxygen.

NELSON (CP) -- An elderly member of the Sons of Freedom Doukhobour sect was in court Monday because of fears she may starve herself to death before she can be sentenced next month on an arson conviction.

The B.C. Supreme Court sentencing date was moved up to Thursday, instead of Nov. 19.

Mary Braun was returned here during the weekend at the request of the Crown because of health concerns. She's been held at the women's correctional centre in the Vancouver suburb of Burnaby since her trial.

When Crown counsel Oliver Butterfield called for a report on her condition, he learned she was in the 16th day of a hunger strike.

"Her stated purpose was to fast for world peace," Butterfield said in court. "She had no intention of ending her fast and would fast until her death."

One of the last active members of the Freedomite sect, Braun was convicted Aug. 30 of setting fire to the Crescent Valley community college earlier that month. Her trial date was speeded up because of her history of starving herself.

She went 22 days without food in 1993 while she and fellow Freedomite Tina Jmaeff were serving time for arson. Jmaeff went 55 days without food, leaving her in critical condition dependent on oxygen.

A feeble Braun entered the courtroom Monday with the help of a bailiff.

As she did during her trial, Braun disrobed once in the witness box.