Prosecutor Angela Mahadeo described how the fire, which broke out in the atrium of the London Oratory School, led to the evacuation of the building and surrounding area. The incident occurred on the fourth floor of the library, requiring significant emergency responses and resulting in multiple classes being disrupted. Damage was put at around £2 million, underscoring the severity of the situation and the impact on both the school community and its infrastructure.
Edward Fenner, defending the youth, disclosed that the defendant was experiencing a depressive episode at the time of the offence. He stated that the youth had initially sought to commit suicide, expressing a history of good character. This context was crucial in understanding the mental health challenges that accompanied the defendant's actions, highlighting the complex motivations that can drive such behaviour in young individuals, which prompted a sympathetic approach from the judge.
District judge Andrew Sweet concluded that the youth posed a low risk of re-offending and issued a referral order for 10 months. He also mandated the payment of £100 to the police officer who had been kicked during the incident, along with a £26 victim surcharge. The judge emphasized the necessity of rehabilitation over punishment alone, indicating a growing recognition in the legal system of the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues in young offenders.
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