Date set for teen arsonist sentencing

Sentencing has been adjourned on a teenager who set fire to a pensioner’s house, causing about £55,000 of damage.

The 16-year-old boy will have to wait 12 weeks while psychiatric and young offender reports are obtained on him.

The blaze seriously damaged the home in Sussex Road, Shepway, on July 2 last year while the 71-year-old victim was out.

The boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, had been charged with arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, but admitted “simple” arson.

Prosecutor John Fitzgerald said the plea was acceptable “on a full facts basis”.

The effect on the victim was said to be devastating. He described his life as having been ruined.

Judge Philip Statman warned the boy, who was 15 at the time of the offence, that he could be sent into custody.

He told him on Thursday: “There are a series of appointments you have to keep. They are really critical. They are so that I or one of my colleagues will have all the information we need to see how we are going to deal with you.

“You know, I am sure, how serious this is.”

Bailing the teenager to an address in Staffordshire until sentencing on May 18, he said: “Don’t get yourself into further trouble.

“If you do – and I am trying to use a word you will understand – you will be in deep do-do.”

Another resident said at the time: “I have never seen anything like it. It was like something out of a film.”