Boy (11) in court on arson charge

AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy arrested for torching a barn has been told that he faces up to ten years in prison if found guilty.

The boy, of West Melton—who cannot be named for legal reasons—was formally charged with arson at Rotherham Youth Court today and pleaded not guilty.

Mr Nigel Duckworth, prosecuting, said that farmer Richard Brooke (62) had lost more than £50,000 of property in the fire on March 1—“and with it his livelihood for the time being.”

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The boy was bailed on the condition that he did not go within 100 yards of the farm, in West Melton, or try to contact Mr Brooke.

He is also prohibited from contacting other juvenile witnesses who have yet to be interviewed by police and is subject to a curfew between 7pm and 7am.

The boy is due to appear before magistrates again on Thursday, March 29.