Teenager spared jail in arson plot

A SHAW teenager who started a fire in the wake of the Manchester riots has been spared jail.

The 15-year-old boy was caught by police with lighter fluid next to a burning bag of rubbish near Crompton Library on Wednesday, August 10.

He was part a gang of four hooded youths who scattered at around 8.45pm, the night after rioters went on the rampage in Manchester city centre.

But magistrates ruled the incident, on Farrow Road East, was not linked. Having spent two weeks in custody, the teen appeared at Oldham Magistrates’ Youth Court on Friday after pleading guilty to arson.

He was handed an electronic curfew order, restricting him to his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am for the next three months.

He was also given a 12-month youth rehabilitation order during which he must attend regular sessions and learn about fire safety.

The boy’s cousin, who is his carer, said: “He is really sorry and this has changed him for the better, he’s willing to do anything.

“The timing was unfortunate, but being in custody has hit him hard, it’s been a shock. He was stupid for doing it but he has seen sense and realised what he has done.”

Magistrates refused to lift reporting restrictions to name the boy after agreeing that it was not a case of rioting.

Magistrate Anne Wingate said he had been close to custody but added: “It causes us great concern in that violence could have been incited although it would appear this was not your intention. Custody has been a shock and you were very foolish on that night. We do not believe you intended to riot but other people may have come to a different conclusion because of your behaviour.

“This will change your life if you listen to the people advising you.”

The Chronicle reported last Monday how police were investigating the possibility of working with First Choice Homes to evict the boy from his home.

A spokeswoman for First Choice said: “First Choice Homes won’t be taking any further action in relation to this matter.”