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BRISBANE - Three teenage firebugs who went on a rampage in Brisbane and caused A$289,000 ($331,574) of damage to community facilities will serve jail time.
Ashley Robert John Edwards, 19, Jake Murray, 19, and Zane Lawrence Mullaney, 18, all pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court earlier this month to a string of offences relating to the evening of mayhem on April 24 last year, including arson, wilful damage and entering premises with intent.
During the sentencing hearing the court was told the teenagers set fire to the Marchant Park Cricket Club at Chermside, in Brisbane's north, destroying three lawn rollers and a warehouse shed.
They also damaged a children's playground and burnt property - including a pergola and chair - at Geebung's John Wesley Gardens retirement centre.
A statement of facts tendered in court said the three men also drove scissor lifts around a construction site, using them like dodgem cars to smash into each other.
The total damage caused during the crime spree was almost A$289,000.
Judge Julie Dick today ordered the trio serve actual time in custody, telling the court there was a need to deter others from committing similar offences.
"What is a significant issue here is the idea of general deterrence," Judge Dick said.
Murray and Mullaney were each sentenced to 18 months jail.
Both will be released in May next year.
Edwards was sentenced to 15 months jail and will be released in March.
A fourth offender, who was just 15 at the time and therefore cannot be named, will be sentenced next year.
- AAP
