A boy of 13 who started a barn blaze causing £46,800 worth of damage has received a 12-month referral order.
Hundreds of bales of hay were in the barn at Llanrhos, Llandudno, on November 5 last year when the inferno started while the teenager was “messing about” with a lighter.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was with three girls at the time, Llandudno youth court heard.
He admitted arson and told the court yesterday: ”I am sorry. I shouldn’t play with fire.”
Compensation of £350 for insurance policy excesses and £85 costs were ordered.
Prosecutor Nia Lloyd said farmer Gareth Howatson had raised the alarm after spotting flames as he walked towards the barn.
The farmer had recognised the boy from a month earlier when he’d warned him it was dangerous to play in the barn.
In an impact statement, Mr Howatson said the blaze would have a “huge effect” on his livelihood.
Watch Farmer Gareth Howatson Revealing The Damaged Barn
The prosecution dropped a more serious accusation of arson with intent to endanger life or being reckless whether life would be put at risk. This had been denied by the youngster, who had never been in trouble before.
Graham Parry, defending, said the boy was “exceptionally bright and gifted”.
Mr Parry said: ”He’s been extremely apprehensive about coming before the court and extremely remorseful for what happened on November 5.
“He was with three friends and they were messing around. He accepts he was responsible for causing the fire.
“He was very, very upset about the amount of damage he caused.”
The solicitor added: ”Fortunately no-one was injured. He’s had a huge shock by what happened.”
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/bright-gifted-boy-who-started-12468542
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