16-year-old gaoled for fire-bombing

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32966, 12 July 1972, Page 2

16-year-old gaoled for fire-bombing

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 11. A 16-year-old youth who set fire to the U.T.A. office in Auckland three weeks ago was sentenced today to three years imprisonment by Mr H. Y. Gilliand, S.M., in the Children’s Court.

The Magistrate said he was unable to accept the high motives that had been ascribed to the youth, and said protest by fire had to be dealt with sternly. The use of fire bombs in Auckland, especially among young people, was increasing and had been causing the courts grave concern. He had a duty not only to the accused but to the public, the Magistrate said. Probation, periodic detention, de-

tention centre or Borstal would be inappropriate. A considerable period of imprisonment was required. The Magistrate noted that the Court of Appeal had recently dismissed an appeal against a substantial prison sentence by a young person for causing physical harm, because of the growing tendency of violence to persons. Violence to property, especially arson, was in the same category. He recognised that the youth had never been in trouble before, and that he had made creditable efforts

to overcome obstacles in his life. He did not accept that the youth was “naively motivated.” “This was the planned use of arson by a petrol bomb.” he said. “You had time to take stock and back out. You were a fool and willing participant with another youth only slightly older than yourself. There is no suggestion you were under his influence.” The Magistrate said the youth had prepared the bombing equipment over a period of time. “You went to the scene at a time obviously chosen for its advantage. You thought yop would not be detected,” he said. “At the scene it was you who were the dominant figure. You broke the plate glass window and threw the missile into the building. You must have known a substantial fire would result in what was a valuable, closely-built-up commercial area. “I have no doubt you are now remorseful, but I note you told the child welfare officer you did not expect to be caught.” Counsel, Mr K. Ryan, said the youth was worthy of salvage. The youth had been influenced into taking the law into his own hands by the extent of protest against the tests. “The feeling against atomic testing in the Pacific Basin among Polynesians has had its effect,” said Mr Ryan.