'Bunch of idiots' set fire to manor

A HISTORIC building was destroyed after a "bunch of idiots" torched old furniture, causing more than £2m damage, a court heard.

- DAVID POWELL

A major incident was declared when Grade II-listed Shire Hall in Llangefni, Anglesey, was engulfed in flames in 2023.

The owner, who had bought the building in Glanhwfa Road from Llangefni council in 2019 and intended to turn it into business units or accommodation, was left in "utter shock," it was said.

Three boys, all aged 17, who cannot be identified due to their age, pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Youth Court to arson.

Magistrates made each subject to a six-month referral order to work with the youth justice service. All had to pay £85 court costs and a £26 referral order charge.

Bench chairman Sarah Foskett said the three convicted youths were not being ordered to pay any compensation due to their age and because no evidence of the cost of the damage had been presented to the court.

In any case, the limit for compensation in a youth court is £5,000, the court heard.