Teen Slapped with Community Order Over School Blaze
An 18-year-old has landed a community order after admitting to setting fire to a school outbuilding last year. Jordan Tadd, from Twerton, pleaded guilty to arson at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (28/07).
£20,000 Damage After Blaze Destroys School Equipment
On 18 October, fire crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Tetbury rushed to St Joseph’s Catholic School in Malmesbury after flames tore through an outbuilding storing school sports gear. The blaze caused more than £20,000 worth of damage, destroying all the equipment inside.
Police Praise Work That Led to Arrest
After reviewing CCTV footage and conducting a thorough investigation, officers hauled in Tadd for questioning. Sgt Kate Smith of the Royal Wootton Bassett Community Policing Team said:
“This is a positive result and comes from the tireless work of our officers to identify those involved and secure a charge. Understandably, this caused a lot of community concern at the time and we hope that by securing a sentence, it will go some way to addressing this. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind people of the danger of fire and the serious consequences of a senseless act.”
Punishment Includes 100 Hours of Unpaid Work
Tadd’s community order includes 100 hours of unpaid work, a victim surcharge, and court-ordered costs. The case sends a clear message about the serious fallout of reckless fire-setting.
