Teenager is threat to public

2:00pm Saturday 11th October 2008

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A TEENAGER, who set fire to a care home using a lighter and an aerosol can, told detectives that he wanted staff there to die, a court heard.

Luke Evans, aged 19, of Ridgemoor Road, Leominster, is now under a long-term treatment order that a judge said was needed for public protection.

At Worcester Crown Court, Evans admitted causing nearly £7,000 worth of damage to the home in Somerset having torched bedding that he had piled up in his room.

He also admitted an arson attack on the old Pinsley Mill site in Leominster.

Paul Whitfield, prosecuting, said Evans was 17 when he started the care home blaze using a lighter and an aerosol can in April last year.

Two other children and three staff were in the four bedroom home at the time.

Evans, said Mr Whitfield, later told detectives that he wanted staff to die.

The court heard that Evans claimed to be a “look out” for others when the fire at Pinsley Mill happened in March this year.

Simon Burns, defending, described Evans as a “vulnerable” young man who had a troubled upbringing.

He had been in care from the age of 11 and suffered from a personality disorder.

The order was placed on Evans after the judge heard medical evidence that said it was necessary for public protection.

Without long-term treatment there was a high risk of Evans offending again, the court was told.