‘Street boy’ on arson charges

Press, 14 December 1982, Page 7

‘Street boy’ on arson charges

PA Hastings A boy who has been “living on the street” was yesterday charged with starting the $1 million fire which destroyed a New Zealand Fruitgrowers’ Federation warehouse in central Hasting eight days ago.

The 16-year-old boy appeared in the Hastings Children and Young' Persons’ Court, on two arson charges. He is alleged to have wilfully set fire to the federation’s warehouse on December 5, and also to have wilfully set fire to the nearby Railways dispatch office on the same day. Judge A. J. Sheehan remanded the boy in custody for a depositions hearing oh January 28. The Judge declined to release the defendant on bail after being told he had previous convictions, and that the

police were concerned at what he would do if allowed his freedom.

Also, the evidence against him was extremely strong, Sergeant H. Jones said. The boy’s counsel, Mr D. J. Kennedy, said his client was unemployed.

“I asked him where he lived and, basically, he is living on the street,” Mr Kennedy said. However, if released on bail, he could stay with his mother, Mr Kennedy said. Mr Kennedy said he was concerned at the lengthy period the boy would be held in custody before the hearing.

However, Judge Sheehan, after noting that the defendant turns 17 on January 1, said he would be guided by the public interest and would remand the boy in custody.