A TEENAGER involved in an arson attack on a Darwen stables which killed four horses has been placed on a three-year community order.

Matthew Roberts contended that another youth had set light to straw resulting in a blaze at Sough Farm. The cost of the fire damage in July last year was put at £65,000.

Nineteen-year-old Roberts, from Darwen, pleaded guilty to arson on July 14 last year.

A 17-year-old youth who denied arson was tried earlier this year and was cleared by a jury. That same teenager admitted burglary.

Seven horses belonging to family and friends were being housed there at the time.

Charlotte Crangle, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, said four horses perished in the fire in the middle two blocks. They belonged to four different women.

The value of the livestock was put at around £5,000, but obviously there was also the sentimental value, said Miss Crangle. Some horses had been bred by their owners.

Victim impact statements had been provided by the owners for the sentencing hearing. The judge said all the statements were “extremely moving”.

Roberts had told police he and the other youth had been drinking and “just messing about”.

He said the other lad put a lighter to some straw. They had then panicked and fled.

Mr Phillip Curran, defending, said Roberts had long-term mental health issues, which had been treated.

Judge Christopher Cornwall said it was a very difficult case to sentence. Four horses had lost their lives in dreadful circumstances.

He said would sentence Roberts on the basis that he was present when the fire started.

He said: “Arson is always a serious offence. Once a fire starts, there is simply no knowing where it will end and how much harm will ultimately occur.”

He made a three-year community order, with three years’ supervision and a requirement for mental health treatment.