Teenager admits setting fire to adapted minibuses
Avon and Somerset PoliceA 17-year-old boy has admitted setting fire to seven minibuses, damaging cars and assaulting an emergency worker.
The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to six offences at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on 29 April.
He admitted carrying out an arson attack at Silk Mills Park and Ride in Taunton on 26 April. Seven minibuses were destroyed in the fire, including four specially-adapted vehicles worth up to £250,000.
The teenager was remanded into youth detention until a sentencing hearing at the magistrates' court on 29 May.
He was charged with one count of arson to a car on 25 April and a second on the minibuses on 26 April as well as criminal damage to two cars, affray and assault by beating an emergency worker on 27 April.
At the time, Somerset Council said four of the buses were specially adapted to provide transport for vulnerable children and young adults, and cost up to £250,000.
Council staff managed to keep services running despite the attack and local businesses offered to loan out specialised vehicles.
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