The 17-year-old defendant in Linz could not give any reason why he had started two fires in Neuhofen an der Krems in Upper Austria within two days in March of the previous year. As punishment – a 12-month suspended prison sentence – the youngster is now sitting on a mountain of debts.
The public prosecutor sees a “dangerous fascination” in the young person’s actions. On March 18, 2021, he set fire to a garbage bag in front of an apartment building, the fire quickly spiraled out of control and spread to the facade of the house. The flames reached the first floor.
Two fires in two days
Just two days later, the 17-year-old caught fire again: this time setting fire to the garbage island at his school, which eventually flared up right up to the roof structure. An electric car parked in front of the garbage collection point was also completely destroyed. In both fires, youth called the fire brigade with the help of passers-by.
The fires caused damage totaling 394,000 euros. Judge Margit Kreuzer: “How do you want to compensate for the damage?” “Due to work or something,” she got meek from the suspect, who is currently completing a course in a work project.
Assistance from probation officers
The verdict was ultimately a 12-month suspended prison sentence. In addition, the teenager is given a probationary period and must of course pay compensation for the damage.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
