The blaze caused £47,000 worth of damage at Bryniau Farm, Llanrhos and the teenager has appeared in youth court
A boy has admitted setting fire to a barn, causing almost £47,000 worth of damage, but he denies intending to endanger anyone’s life.
The blaze happened last month at Llanrhos, Llandudno and completely destroyed the barn.
Around 60 tonnes of hay burned for hours at Bryniau Farm and fire crews were still there a day later damping down.
The 13-year-old appeared before a youth court at Llandudno accused of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless whether life would be put at risk.
The teenager denied the charge but defence solicitor Graham Parry said: “He doesn’t dispute he caused the fire. The issue is was he reckless or did he intend to endanger anyone’s life’?”
Proceedings were adjourned until a youth court trial in February and the boy, who has no convictions, was granted unconditional bail.
Aftermath of Llanrhos farm fire
Prosecutor Sheyanne Lee said there were hundreds of bales of hay in the barn.
Farmer Gareth Howatson had spotted flames coming out from the barn on the afternoon of Saturday, November 5 and saw children in the vicinity of it .
Ms Lee said the boy claimed to have been playing with a lighter and the hay caught fire.
Mr Parry for the defence said the boy had “difficulties.”
Three girls and the farmer would have to give evidence about what happened, he added.
Fire crews from Colwyn Bay and Llandudno had tackled the blaze.
Friends of Mr Howatson, set up a crowdfunding page in the aftermath of the fire to help him replace the lost hay and straw so he can feed his animals which were not injured in the fire.
Mr Howatson, who for the past eight years has rented the farm from Mostyn Estates thanked locals for their efforts and for coming to his aid to help start the clearing process.
He said at the time: “I’ve had farmers and others coming over and offering to help in any way they could.
“It’s all very comforting despite the circumstances and I’d like to thank them all for their generosity.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/boy-13-admits-starting-conwy-12350277
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