Arsonist awaits verdict
A teen who admitted his role in an arson attack at The Lakes subdivision will be sentenced in Tauranga District Court next month.
The 16-year-old, who appeared in Tauranga Youth Court yesterday, admitted eight charges in relation to the attack on an abandoned house in August last year. The attack resulted in $60,000 in damage. He was further remanded on bail to be sentenced on February 20.
The boy's lawyer Tony Balme urged Judge Christopher Harding to allow sentencing to remain in the youth court jurisdiction, because of the rehabilitative sentencing options. But Judge Harding declined the request and transferred sentencing to the Tauranga District Court.
