Teenagers to be sentenced in August after admitting arson

Deemster tells pair offence is 'not acceptable to society'

Two teenagers will be sentenced in August after admitting trying to set a house in Douglas on fire with a ‘Molotov cocktail’.

18-year-old Tobias McKee, of School Road in Onchan, and 17-year-old Ryan Thomas Pearce, who is currently remanded at the Isle of Man Prison, appeared at Douglas Courthouse.

The pair admitted attempting to start a fire at the property on Albany Road, on or about 29 July, and committing arson days later on or about 2 August.

Guilty pleas were also entered to a charge of arson, concerning a Ford Fiesta, which also took place on the latter date.

Ordering psychological or psychiatric input into pre-sentencing reports Deemster Cook told the teenagers arson was ‘an extremely dangerous thing to do’ adding: “It is not acceptable to society.”

Adjourning sentencing until 4 August he said all sentencing options were open to him adding: “Fire is always serious- particularly when it endangers life.”

No application for bail for Pearce was made and he will be remanded at the Isle of Man Prison; McKee was released on bail until the next hearing.