Two teenagers have been handed a 12-month Referral Order after pleading guilty to arson following a fire in which heritage “that can never be replaced” was lost.
The boys, both aged 15 and from Hemel Hempstead, appeared for sentencing at St Albans Youth Court on Wednesday, March 22, having pleaded guilty to arson following the fire at Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley.
A Referral Order involves meeting with a youth offender panel and taking part in activities that aim to give back to the community and help prevent future offending. The order can run for a maximum of 12 months.
The boys were also ordered to each pay £600 in costs and a victim surcharge of £21 each.
Firefighters were called to the historic site in Fourdrinier Way on the afternoon of Saturday, January 22, 2022, where the building was well alight. Officers attended to help with road closures.
Significant damage was caused to the site’s visitor centre and an arson investigation was subsequently launched.
It was discovered that the blaze started because the boys had used a lighter to start a fire, which quickly got out of control.
Elena Lewendon, chief executive officer of the Apsley Paper Trail Trust, said: “We lost heritage that day that can never be replaced.
“The fire destroyed our museum, gallery, café, shop and the spaces used by schools and community groups. All of our education equipment and materials were lost, taking away our ability to tell our story.
“The emotional impact on our staff and volunteers has been devastating, but their amazing response and resilience has been extraordinary.
“The trust would like to thank Herts Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response on the night of the fire that saved the oldest part of the mill and many of our historic machines from being lost forever. Special thanks are also due to the team of police officers and detectives who worked so hard to make sure those responsible were brought to justice.”
Speaking to KingsNews, Elena added that the trust can now proceed with plans to transform the museum to reopen next year after having “their hands tied for over a year”.
She said: “The museum is going to be quite experimental; there will be lots of different events and exhibitions.
“It will be really innovative; we will be running a café in partnership with the Sunnyside Rural Trust and aim to have a plastic-free eco-shop.”
Police investigator Deborah Newsham, from the Dacorum Local Crime Unit, said: “I hope that any young person who is considering playing with fire sees this case and thinks twice.
“This incident demonstrates the consequences of reckless behaviour and although I know the boys involved never meant to cause such devastation, they had no thought for what might happen when they started the fire and how quickly the flames would spread.
“The fire, which was battled by dozens of firefighters, destroyed precious artwork and historic documents from the famous papermill, as well as causing millions of pounds worth of damage. Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire.”
The trust is halfway to their target of raising £100,000. You can donate here.
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