A second teenager has been sentenced after an incident of arson at the Abbey View tower block in Garsmouth Way, Garston.
The 17-storey building on the Meriden Estate was evacuated at around 5am on July 12, 2022, after a fire was started in the bin storage area.
A 14-year-old boy appeared at St Albans Magistrates’ Court on February 22, 2023, having previously pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to a 12-month referral order with the South Hertfordshire Youth Offending Panel.
This follows the sentencing of a 15-year-old boy at the same court in October last year. He had previously pleaded guilty to arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to a Youth Rehabilitation Order (supervision) with an activity requirement, exclusion requirement and curfew requirement with electronic tagging. He was also ordered to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The fire at Abbey View was extinguished by 6.12am on July 12, 2022. Following the incident, minor smoke inhalation-type injuries were reported.
Residents of the tower block whose homes were damaged in the fire subsequently congregated at Meriden Community Centre on July 30, 2022.
The meeting offered a safe space to talk with others who had also experienced the distressing incident, where residents could share concerns, experiences and stories.
Food, clothes and essentials donated by the local community were available to anyone in need.
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