A 17-year-old has been sentenced for setting fire to seven minibuses at the Silk Mills Park and Ride in Taunton, Somerset. The arson attack, which occurred on Saturday, April 26, caused extensive damage, destroying the vehicles, including those specially adapted for children and people with disabilities.
The blaze left the minibuses with shattered windows, melted tires, and severe fire damage, rendering them completely unusable. The Somerset Council-owned vehicles suffered thousands of pounds in damage.
The teenager, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, pleaded guilty to six offences related to the fires, which took place over three days in April. At Exeter Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 29, he was sentenced to a two-year detention and training order and ordered to pay £600 in compensation to the victims.
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Detective Sergeant William Instance commented on the case: “The damage caused to the minibuses was huge and has had a significant impact on the local community. An arrest was made the day after the fire, and a thorough investigation has led to this conviction.”