'Bunch of idiots' set fire to listed Shire Hall and caused £2million damage

A HISTORIC building on Anglesey was destroyed after a “bunch of idiots” torched old furniture causing more than £2m damage, a court heard last week.

- David Powell

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

The owner, who had bought the building in Glanhwfa Road from Llangefni Cou business units or accommodation, was left in “utter shock,” it was said.

On Wednesday, three boys, all aged 17, who cannot be identified due to their ages, pleaded guilty at Caernarfon Youth Court to arson.

Magistrates made each one 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 ages 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. Prosecutor James Ashton told how in the early hours of December 17, 2023 North Wales Police received a report from the fire service about a building which was “ablaze”.

Police declared a major incident and roads were closed. Mr Ashton said the emergency services used a “significant” amount of resources throughout the night to bring the blaze under control.