A teenager who burned down a public housing property because he believed the occupant was “abusing old ladies” and “kicking dogs” has been sentenced to 15 months in prison.
The 19-year-old, identified only as KJC, pleaded guilty to arson after setting fire to the Brooke Street home in East Devonport on March 13, 2025.
The property, owned by state housing provider Homes Tasmania, was completely destroyed and had to be demolished.
Supreme Court Justice Tamara Jago said the teen, then 18, sprayed aerosol onto curtains inside the boarded-up home before igniting them with a lighter.
The fire spread to the structure of the property.
Nearby residents noticed flames and smoke around 6pm and the Tasmania Fire Service extinguished the blaze.
Justice Jago said the home was valued at approximately $150,000, but rebuilding costs would be around $550,000.
“… The community has lost a precious commodity in the form of public housing,” she said.
The teenager initially denied lighting the fire when interviewed by police but changed his story after being told CCTV footage placed him at the scene.
He told officers he was intoxicated at the time and had limited memory of the incident.
Justice Jago said the teenager had been before youth justice courts since age 15 for violence, dishonesty and bail offences.
He was sentenced for arson in the youth justice court in October 2023.
“There should be some reduction in the sentence because of your plea of guilty, which indicates an acceptance of responsibility, facilitates justice and avoids the need for a trial,” Justice Jago said.
She noted his difficult upbringing, including physical abuse by his biological father and diagnoses of ADHD, anxiety and depression.
His heavy alcohol and drug use had directly contributed to the crime.
“… If you can obtain assistance with your substance abuse, there may be hope of you changing your ways,” she said.
The final nine months of the sentence will be suspended for two years.
He must complete a 12-month supervision order and undergo drug and alcohol treatment upon release, expected in mid-July.
